Pestle & Pins Health Solutions
4705 Trans Canada Hwy Unit D V9L6E1 Duncan, BC, Canada

Earlier this week transitioned into the mini-season which is traditionall called The White Dew in the traditional Chinese calendar. To learn more about this mini-season checkout this blog post by the Institute for Classical Asian Medicine. http://www.asianmedicine.org/blog

Our September blog post by Matt Callison is entitled "Meralgia Paresthetica: Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Entrapment. Meralgia Paresthetica is a common clin...ical condition that an orthopedic or sports acupuncturist will encounter in their practice. In this post, Matt covers the anatomy, differential diagnosis, assessment and treatment, including a inguinal ligament needling technique, moxibustion and exercises. You wont want to miss his demonstration of the needling technique on a cadaver in the embedded video! Click here to read the post (and watch the video!) >>> https://www.sportsmedicineacupuncture.com/meralgia-paresth/

Having just moved to the valley, Im delighted to be accepting new patients for Registered Massage Therapy at Pestle & Pins. In the last several years, I have worked with patients to manage their chronic pain, to treat whiplash, to calm plantar fasciitis and to smooth out back pain as well as many other things. As a man, I am often asked to give deep tissue massage, which I certainly do, although, my favourite thing about treatments is holding a safe energetic space for my patients. To make a booking online, visit www.pestleandpins.com

https://news.harvard.edu//study-reveals-acupuncture-affec/

Staying cool in this summer heat! As a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, I tend to notice changes in my patients as they relate to the weather. Below are some tips to stay cool during these long, hot summer days. While we may be familiar with signs of heat stroke and the need to stay well hydrated, less extreme heat signs may not be so obvious. ... As our bodies interact with the external climate, new signs may arise. You may sweat easily, feel dizzy, nauseous, low appetite, pass loose stools, feel easily irritated, notice redness on your skin (unrelated to sunburns) and have more frequent headaches. If youre feeling unwell in the heat, here are a few tips to try to keep cool. Cucumber water: Try a slice or three of fresh cucumber into your glass of water. Eat Watermelon: The red is delicious, but when you chew into the white a bit, you maximize the cooking effects of this summer fruit. Mung Beans: Boil 1 cup of mung beans in 3-4 cups of water to cook. Drink 1-2 cups of the warm water daily. (Avoid larger doses, as its also a diuretic.) Drink warm beverages! Icy, cold drinks actually take more energy to be absorbed into your system. Your body needs to work to warm itself and the drink to assimilate it. So, as contrary as this may sound, make it easier on your body to absorb the water you drink by keeping it hot/ warm or at least room temperature. Enjoy peppermint tea: Steep dried peppermint in water, covered for 5-6 minutes and enjoy. I hope you find these tips useful. Feel free to let me know how it works for you. -Amanda Knapp, R.TCM.P. www.amandaknapptcm.com www.pestleandpins.com

Healing at the pace of nature...at times, changes happen in a flash like a swallow chasing bugs in a meadow sky. Other times, change is as slow as the changing ...light of a season. ~Michael Max #acupuncturerocks #acupuncture #acupunctureworks #acupuncturestudent #chinesemedicine #tcm #naturopathicmedicine #naturopath #traditionalchinesemedicine #yinyang See more

From the time he was young, Evan was interested in helping others. As he grew he was known to his family and friends as a person who was good with his hands. Whether providing leadership and encouragement to classmates, or assisting his father in making and fixing things, Evans natural empathy and skill with his hands was sought after by others. In 2010, after working at the Toronto Stock Exchange for 7 years, he began to think seriously about changing career paths. Evan wan...ted a more direct, hands on method to connect with people and help them move through life in a vibrant, healthy way. Later that year he was accepted to the massage therapy program at Humber College. Over his 3 years of study, and during his practice, Evan has gained experience with a range of diverse clients from infants and palliative patients, to high level athletes and the seriously ill. In addition to massage and spending time with his family, Evan enjoys working out and playing with his daughter. When hes not involved in his massage therapy practice, he can often be found hiking one of the many trails around Victoria, a much more nature filled city then his native Toronto. . . . . . #duncanbc #cowichan #cowichanbay #acupuncture #acupunctureclinic #acupunctureworks #chinesemedicine #traditionalchinesemedicine #tcm #tcmlivingwell #plantmedicine #herbalmedicine #health #wellness #nourishyourself #trauma #injury #pain

Chelsea Raney is a fully licensed Practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine from British Columbia, Canada. She graduated from the 5-year Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program at the Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences in Nelson BC. Before attending the Academy, Chelsea worked for many years as a Pharmacy Technician gaining knowledge and insight into healthcare from a biomedical health perspective. This background has helped her to form a bridge between the East...ern and Western approaches to medicine, which can be passed along to her patients allowing them the most comprehensive understanding of their health. As a Practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chelsea is trained in many aspects of this ancient medicine. Her training includes Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Tui Na (massage), Moxabustion (heat therapy), cupping, Yang Sheng Fa (Diet/lifestyle), and much more. Before coming to Vancouver Island Chelsea found herself adventuring the high seas, providing Acupuncture and herbal treatments on board several cruise ships. There she was able to help hundreds of people to get relief from both acute and chronic conditions. She is very passionate about this medicine and is keen to share its wonders with everyone. She truly believes that everyone can increase their health, maximize their vitality and feel their best! . . . . . #duncanbc #cowichan #cowichanbay #acupuncture #acupunctureclinic #acupunctureworks #chinesemedicine #traditionalchinesemedicine #tcm #tcmlivingwell #plantmedicine #herbalmedicine #health #wellness #nourishyourself #trauma #injury #pain

Amanda is a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) and Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCM.P.) with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners (CTCMA) of BC. Amandas treatments always have an emphasis on self-compassion and connection as the foundation for profound change within her patients. She brings a unique multidisciplinary approach to her treatments which includes TCM modalities, massage and mindful self-compassion (MSC). She has worked with pati...ents on a variety of issues including anxiety, insomnia, depression,women's health, pregnancy, fertility, burnout, ADHD, heartbreak, back pain, digestive health and mental emotional health. She takes a results-oriented approach to TCM and treats a variety of other health concerns, including the conditions recognized by the WHO to be managed effectively with acupuncture. Outside the clinic, Amanda loves motherhood and time in nature with her husband and daughter. . . . #duncanbc #cowichan #cowichanbay #acupuncture #acupunctureclinic #acupunctureworks #chinesemedicine #traditionalchinesemedicine #tcm #tcmlivingwell #plantmedicine #herbalmedicine #health #wellness #nourishyourself #trauma #injury #pain

Yesterday was our two year anniversary of Pestle & Pins opening! We are so excited with how our team and clinic has grown since, and cannot wait to share our upcoming clinic plans. But let us take a moment and re-introduce the Pestle & Pins team! Dr. Kevin Ianson, DR.TCM - Owner and Practitioner (available Monday, Wednesday - Saturday) Chelsea Raney, R.TCM.P (R.AC), D.DTCM - Practitioner (available Friday - Saturday)... Amanda Knapp, R.TCM.P (R.AC) - Practitioner (available Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday) Evan Moncrieff, RMT - Registered Massage Therapist (starting August 4th - available on Tuesday) Online booking available through link on profile and direct billing to most insurances. . . . . #duncanbc #cowichan #cowichanbay #acupuncture #acupunctureclinic #acupunctureworks #chinesemedicine #traditionalchinesemedicine #tcm #tcmlivingwell #plantmedicine #herbalmedicine #health #wellness #nourishyourself #trauma #injury #pain

! & . . . . ... . . . #duncanbc #cowichan #cowichanbay #rmt #massagetherapy #registeredmassagetherapist #resgisteredmassagetherapy #acupuncture #acupunctureclinic #cowichanvalleymassage #chinesemedicine #traditionalchinesemedicine #tcm #massage #massagetherapist #herbalmedicine #health #wellness #nourishyourself #trauma #injury #pain

Acupuncture + Pregnancy! Many women suffer from low back pain, rib pain and sciatica, especially during their last trimester. Just because it is common, doesnt mean patients should have to suffer through it without symptom management. At Pestle & Pins, we are pleased to offer maternity acupuncture treatments in our new, plush maternity pillow. Treatments for back pain commonly include massage and acupuncture. ... Is the pillow safe? Yes! While every patient is different, this pillow allows patients to comfortably lie face down during back treatments and routine pre-birth treatments. It is adjustable to your belly size and comfort, while being supportive. Is acupuncture safe? Yes! At Pestle & Pins, we perform acupuncture as researched by Debra Betts. Acupuncture is helpful for all kinds of pregnancy-related concerns as well as for routine pre-birth preparation beginning at 36 weeks. What about Covid-19? We are following all guidelines set out by the Provincial Health Officer to run our clinic in a safe manner during this time. Procedures include all parties wearing face masks, minimizing wait times and traffic in our waiting room, thorough cleaning between patients and screening all patients upon entering the clinic. More detailed information about our Covid-19 practices is available on our website. Where can I learn more? Visit www.pestleandpins.com for more information about acupuncture and to make a booking.

https://www.brainandlife.org//tai-chi-may-improve-balanc/

& ! . ? #duncanbc #cowichan #cowichanbay #acupuncture #acupunctureclinic #acupunctureworks #chinesemedicine #traditionalchinesemedicine #tcm #tcmlivingwell #plantmedicine #herbalmedicine #health #wellness #nourishyourself #trauma #injury #pain . , ... . . . . . See more

RE-OPENING WEEK OF MAY 18th We are pleased to announce that we will be re-opening for in-person treatments on Monday, May 18th. IMPORTANT NOTES BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT... Due to the nature of some of the condition which individuals seek treatment for at our clinic we are continuing with heightened precaution to minimize threat of transmission to vulnerable populations. -Prior to your appointment, please use the BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool at https://bc.thrive.health/covid19/en . When you arrive at the clinic we will also complete our own assessment. -All patients will be required to wear a face mask while at the clinic, if you have your own face mask please bring it. If you do not have a mask will have some available; however, due to current demand they have been difficult to obtain at a reasonable price and we request that you please consider this. -Upon arrival at the clinic we will ask that you please proceed to the washroom and wash your hands or use the available hand sanitizer. -While at the clinic, whenever possible please maintain physical distancing of 2 meters (6 feet). Your practitioner will be wearing PPE for assessments and treatment. Our Procedures -We will be conducting assessments of patients at each visit to screen for indicators of infection. -We will be sanitizing high touch and treatment surfaces using a hospital grade sterilant (CaviCide) and using a bleach solution on all other hard-surfaces for disinfection. -Additional time will be booked between patients to ensure that we have adequate time to effectively clean the treatment spaces. -We will be removing all non-essential treatment items from treatment rooms and common spaces. -We will continue maintaining proper hand hygiene throughout treatments and between patients. -During the course of treatment we will be wearing PPE consisting of a face mask and either face shield or goggles.

Response to CBC's Media Request regarding the use of natural health products in the treatment of COVID-19 It has come to our understanding that a number of TCM ...Doctors who are registrants of the CTCMA were contacted by an Associate Producer from CBC with the intention of speaking about the use of Lianhua Qingwen capsules in the treatment of COVID-19 on a CBC radio show. Of concern to us is that the email states he intends to ask practitioners: about how true this product can cure Covid-19 as claimed by the company on its official website On behalf of the ATCMA, I would like to share with you our position statement on the use of health products in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19. ATCMA Position Statement: At this time, Health Canada is warning Canadians about the risks of buying health products including drugs, natural health products, homeopathic products, and medical devicesthat make false or misleading claims to prevent, treat or cure COVID-19. As such, according to Health Canada, selling or advertising health products that make false or misleading claims is illegal. Therefore, while we recognize that there is emerging evidence from China about the usefulness of integrating Traditional Chinese Medicinal herbs alongside Western medicine such as pharmaceutical drugs, currently Health Canada has not approved any such health products in the treatment or prevention of COVID-19 outside of a clinical trial. Understandably, we are unable to say definitively whether or not this herbal formula is an effective treatment option until clinical trials have been conducted to show it to be efficacious. In addition, TCM herbal formulations are usually customized for an individual patients condition by a licensed practitioner. We recommend that the public consults a registered TCM Herbalist, TCM Practitioner or Doctor of TCM before taking any herbal medicine of any type. In addition, CARB-TCMPA has issued a statement this morning in response to this and other COVID-19 related situations across Canada: TCM practitioners in regulated jurisdictions ensure that their advice, comments, and patient care is in keeping with current evidence provided by the scientific community and available quality assurance information. At this time, there is no known cure for COVID-19. TCM practitioners, like other Canadian physicians, subscribe to do no harm and look forward to the development of a cure for COVID-19 The position statements have been shared with the CBC Associate Producer with the request that if he intends to go forward with his radio segment, that he also shares our position statement.

For anyone curious how moxa is made this is an excellent video showing the crafting process and some of the different ways it is used (maybe youll recognize a few ways that it has been used in your treatments). https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=U8uXke-ReZ0

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=share&v=ul_ApmbLnY0

At the recommendation of our regulatory board, the CTCMA-BC, we will be temporarily suspending all services which require direct patient interaction, including acupuncture and in-person herbal medicine consultations. At this time, we will be suspending these services for one week until Wednesday, March 25th at which time we will reassess the situation and continue to follow the advice of our professional organizations. Throughout this time we will continue to offer herbal medicine consultations via Skype and offering no-contact drop offs at your home. If you would like to access this service please feel free to email or call to arrange this.

This beautiful combination of herbs is being used to treat a case of chronic eczema with severe red itchy skin . With all the fun colours and textures I couldnt resist sharing. . . .... #jingfang #classicalchinesemedicine #tcm #chinesemedicine #traditionalchinesemedicine #acupuncture #acupunctureworks #eczema #wellness #mindbodymedicine #duncan #cowichan #cowichanvalley #cowichanhealth #whippletreejunction See more

If you're looking for an excuse to get a little extra sleep during these dark days of winter feel good knowing that Chinese medicine has advocated for that for over 2000 years and it is now backed by modern science. Now you just need to convince your boss.

Acupressure During Labour We will be hosting a free workshop for doulas on Sunday December 1 from 1-3pm. You will have a chance to learn about the research and benefits of using acupressure during labour for pain management and most importantly, how to find the points and be able to use them confidently. ... This is a small workshop and spaces are limited. If you are interested, please send an email to [email protected]

We have a new TCM Practitioner! Amanda Knapp is joining our team and accepting new patients on Mondays & Thursdays. She loves TCM for almost all health conditions and has an affinity for treating womens health, mental-emotional health and sleep issues. Bookings are available at www.pestleandpins.com... Our evenings will still be filled with some chill vibes and community acupuncture from 4-7pm. I hope to see you there! #cobblehillbc #acupuncture #wellness #healthcareforall #duncanbc #duncanbccanada #communityacupuncture #newjob #traditionalchinesemedicine #vancouverisland #cowichanbay #cowichanbaybc

Check out the latest systematic review of the scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of acupuncture as a treatment for a wide variety of conditions. https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/acupuncture-scie/

While the weather in the valley will continue to fluctuate and many are hoping to hold onto the last reminders of summer, we have already started our descent into Autumn. The traditional Chinese calendar splits the year into 24 parts and yesterday marked the beginning of what is know as the "End of Heat". The Institute for Classical Asian Medicine published this wonderful article with great information about this seasonal change and recommendations on how to support your body through the seasonal shift. We highly recommend giving it a read! http://www.asianmedicine.org/blog