Vadim Kogan
462 St-Joseph Est H2J 1J7 Montreal, QC, Canada

Allowing ourselves to be where we’re at without judgement is one of the most empowering gifts we can give ourselves.

Why So Serious!? Happy Boo weekend

Dear colleagues and friends, last month the CRA announced that osteopathic services will be subjected to the TPS/TVQ taxes. If you or someone that you know had the opportunity to receive an osteopathic treatment and was able to benefit from it, please take a moment to go to the following link to sign the petition in order to omit taxation on this health service. You will receive an email immediately after asking for a confirmation - please confirm in order for your vote to be... registered. Here is the link: https://bit.ly/3mgEoxO Our profession is currently undergoing the necessary steps in order to obtain a distinct professional Ordre in Quebec. This petition may as well serve as a catalyst for this process. Thank you!

Sedentary periods - how to counter its effects: Since our province has increased restrictions in social contact and physical activity, many of us might find ourselves sitting for the most part of the day. Although there’s nothing alarming about that in the short-term, it could become a health issue in the long-run. Given that we’re not exactly sure how long the restrictions will last, it will become increasingly important to have a game plan. Here’s a few recommendations on h...ow to counter the effects of a sedentary lifestyle: Getting up and moving for a few minutes. A static position will naturally cause a decrease in circulation in the musculoskeletal system which can result in an accumulation of tension and stiffness in muscles and joints. In addition, given our natural tendency to hold a forward-head posture whether it be for computer work, mobile use, or simply reading - this further compounds the effects of muscle tension and joint stiffness around the neck and thorax. Taking a walk outside. This is probably the best bang-for-the-buck action that we can do for ourselves when living a sedentary lifestyle. Walking naturally positions your body in its most organic state. Heart rate goes up, blood flow increases to major muscles groups, proprioceptive stimulation occurs, fresh air, and a break for your hardworking brain are among some of the best benefits of going out for a walk. Stretching. Can’t get out? Stretching can help you decrease the accumulated tension in your muscles. I suggest you to stretch the following muscles: pectorals, lats, thoraco-lumbar fascia, abs, hip flexors and hamstrings. You may spend 60-90 seconds per muscle group using breathing to further relax yourself into the position. Note: Careful with neck stretches as these muscles tend to be overworked and might not appreciate you tugging them further. Meditation. There are many ways of meditating as well as different reasons to do so. If this is not part of your daily routine, I would recommend you to simply sit comfortably and put your focus on what feels *easy* and *neutral* meaning it doesn’t provoke unpleasant emotions - it can be on the sound of the wind against the trees, your breath going in and out, your humming fridge, the feeling of sitting still etc. Successful meditation as little as 15 mins can put your mind & body in a state of ease and relaxation. Join an online exercise class. The online fitness & rehab industry has taken a huge jump forward offering an array of options for training from the comfort of our home. Group online classes offer the advantage of a small cost, minimal equipment, and a live coach to take you through an exercise session several times per week. Having a tight schedule, this can be a great option for those who want to maintain their fitness level outside of the gym! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out Be well

As Montreal goes into red-alert this month, I would like to take this opportunity to bring your attention to an important topic: resetting. Often as we set forth our intention to move in a specific direction, we encounter some obstacles along the way. Usually we learn to navigate our way through, sometimes we have to take a detour and other times we are forced to stop. And it never feels good to stop unless it is voluntary on our behalf. Yet sometimes life forces us to stop, ...whether it be through pain, illness, tragedy, or environmental circumstances. In Osteopathy, I learned about this fascinating yet mysterious phenomenon called ‘Stillness’. It is defined as a moment in which all movement ceases. It is a moment of absolute ease and clarity. Completeness. Following that moment, movement resumes, momentum restarts and off we go. In Osteopathic philosophy, Stillness represents the essence of that which we are. It is the deepest, fullest, most authentic part of us and when we feel good, we are in resonance with it. Regardless of what our beliefs are, what if we could consciously and willingly stop from time to time in order to reset? To sit quietly and slow the hectic momentum down. To take a walk in the nature and appreciate its effortless flow. To become available and receptive to that inner voice. To simply be open to allow ourselves to receive whatever is needed in the moment. Have a beautiful weekend, All is well

September Kick-Starter Here we are September 2020 - 4 months before we step into 2021. How do you feel about it? If you’re not as excited about it as I am, I hope that you will begin to shift in that direction soon enough! September is one of my favourite months of the year. Not only because the weather is so damn fabulous, the air so freshly crisp, and I get to pull out my fancy wardrobe again. But also, having been a student for so long, September is when I get back to b...Continue reading

August wrap-up - Gratitude post: So here we are the 31st of August of this over-the-top-EPIC year. How you been? Okay? I hope so. I want to brag a little. And by brag I mean express my gratitude for everything that took place until this moment. ... In the beginning of this year I've been going into full speed gear as I was entering the last phase of my studies in Osteopathy. I cannot count the amount of hours I've spent reviewing 5 years worth of material as I was completing my internship hours in the clinic of our College. And then everything came to a sudden stop. No work, no school, no gym, no dancing. It has been 8 years since I've took an official break aka vacation. It was shocking. It was unreal. It's like I became another person with another life. And it felt fucking good. This 4 month break has been one of the best periods of my life. I went back to the basics. I went back to myself. I began to savor simplicity, spontaneity, beingness. Time stopped. Have you experienced it? And then the birds start singing, green colors taking over, temperature rising, stillness. Have you noticed? Maybe a little differently this time? I spent lots of time by myself and I discovered what it is to spend time *with* myself. It's a totally other feeling. It feels like ease, harmony, and surprisingly exciting. The opposite of lonely. Summer 2020, despite everything has been amazing. I finished school, opened my practice, got back to work, been out rollerblading & biking more than ever, got back to my workouts, grew my wild hair, reconnected with some incredible humans, and most importantly than anything else - cultivated deeper appreciation for my self. I wish you all the best of the rest of this year. September-post coming up soon