Vitality Integrative Health
150-8900 No. 1 Road V7C 4C1 Richmond, BC, Canada

[#motivationalmonday] I know it’s hard these days because of physical distancing, but it’s necessary. Please be considerate of your loved ones and the community. This doesn’t mean that you’re cut off from everyone. We’re lucky to live in an age where technology is advanced enough that we can call someone across the world in a second. . There is an abundance of activities that you can do with family and friends through this connection. Have a karaoke contest over your video-ca...ll. Challenge each other while working out at home. Play ‘Mario Kart’ or ‘Among Us’ online with your friends. Or simply chat about your days. . You’re not alone in your feelings of isolation and loneliness. Keep in touch with your loved ones. Reach out to them. You’ll make it through this! . - Dr. Rachel Lam, ND @drrachellam . Disclaimer: I’m not affiliated with the games mentioned above. . Original photo by United Nations on Unsplash. . . . . . #naturopathicmedicine #naturopathicdoctor #naturopath #health #wellness #stress #isolation #loneliness #mentalhealth #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #richmond #vancouver #yvr See more

Did you know that chiropractors can adjust almost every joint in the body? This includes your fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, toes, and even your jaw. If you are experiencing pain in any of the mentioned areas, you may benefit from a chiropractic adjustment. Here is a short video of Dr. Peter adjusting his patients fingers, wrist and elbows. Sound ON to hear all the satisfying popping sounds! The pop and crack you hear during an adjustment is ...from air bubbles releasing from the fluids that surround the joint. By releasing the pressure and realigning the joint, we are promoting improved function which results in decreased pain. Adjustments are not painful or invasive, in fact many people report feeling very relaxed. Dr. Peter is taking new patients. Book now through our online booking system. Link in bio. See you soon! See more

Custom orthotics can help improve biomechanics, promote good posture, reduce pains and aches and maximize comfort while you’re on your feet. During the assessment and scan, your therapist will assess how you walk, stand and move. Using top of the line technology provided by our partners at Atlas Orthotic Lab, your therapist will customize the perfect orthotic to suit your needs. Orthotics are covered by most extended health plans. We can provide all documentation necessary to be submitted to your provider. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!

Halloween is around the corner... What scares you? Ghosts or goblins; spiders or other creepy crawlies... Or perhaps you are afraid of speaking in public, or simply approaching your boss or co-worker. Perhaps the thought of driving after a car accident scares you;... or you are fearful of what others might say, so you just don't say anything. Whatever your fears may be, talk to a counsellor to understand fear versus ANXIETY, and discuss ways to manage this. https://www.vitalityintegrativehealth.ca/lianne-naguiat-ong #mentalhealthmatters

Happy Monday! Every day is a chance to begin again. Wishing everyone a great week ahead.

Acupuncture point of the day YinTang () is one of my favourite points to use in my acupuncture treatments. It is located midway between the medial ends of the eyebrows. YinTang is commonly used for ... Calming the mind Stress, anxiety and insomnia Headaches, especially frontal headaches Sinus or nasal congestion Dizziness Facial numbness or paralysis Eye pain If you massage this point on an infant, it can help to calm them and put them to sleep. Try it next time you’re soothing a crying baby. According to the chakra system, YinTang is in the brow chakra, or sometimes known as the third eye chakra. Using YinTang in treatments can help to bring a sense of clarity with new insights, and better ability to make decisions. - Victoria Dong, R.Ac. (Original photo from Mind Body Solutions)

Have you ever tried cupping? Chances are you’ve probably seen cupping marks on celebrities and Olympic athletes. Cupping is a form of therapy in traditional Chinese medicine, and is often used in combination with acupuncture treatments. ... Suction is applied to the cups once they’re placed on the body to creat a vacuum. This causes the skin to rise and redden as blood vessels expand. Cupping increases blood circulation to the area where the cups are placed, which in turn relieves muscle tension/pain and promotes healing. Cupping also boosts lymphatic circulation, which helps to flush out toxins and wastes built up in the body. By increasing lymphatic and blood flow, cupping reduces edema, scar tissues, cellulites and stretch marks. Cupping can be used to break up and expel phlegm congestion in the chest, by gently gliding the cups upwards on the upper back. Cupping has been found to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which in turn helps to reduce anxiety and promote deep relaxation. Red or darker colour circles will result from cupping, and the marks usually fades away after 3-5 days. Slightly red or pink circles indicate healthy blood circulation. Dark red, purple or black circles indicate poor blood circulation (stagnation) in that area. If you would like to learn more about cupping, or share your cupping experience, please comment below. - Victoria Dong (Original photograph from Barley Wellness)

What is Graston Technique? Graston Technique (GT) Therapy is an evidence-based form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) that allows for precise detection and treatment of fascial restrictions as well as muscle and tendon dysfunction. Following the kinetic chain, GT Therapy Providers can target and specifically treat affected tissues often resolving issues once thought to be permanent utilizing specifically designed instruments. Here is list of some... of the most common conditions treated with Graston Technique therapy. Ankle Pain (Achilles Tendinosis/itis) Wrist Pain (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) Neck Pain (Cervical Sprain/Strain) Fibromyalgia Hamstring Injuries Hip Pain IT Band (Iliotibial Band) Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylosis/itis) Back Pain (Lumbar Sprain/Strain) Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylosis/itis) Knee Pain (Patellofemoral Disorders) Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis) Shoulder Pain (Rotator Cuff Tendinosis/itis) Scar Tissue Trigger Finger Women's Health (Post-Mastectomy and Caesarean Scarring) Recover faster with less treatment time and live pain free! Book an appointment with our GT providers today. Visit https://grastontechnique.com/ for further information. See more

Don’t let your unused extended health benefits go to waste. Book your appointments before the year end. Our highly skilled, multidisciplinary team can help you achieve your health and wellness goals - whatever they may be. Book online (link in bio) or give us a call at 604-274-2692. See you at the clinic!

Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy, usually performed in conjunction with acupuncture. It consists of burning dried Chinese mugwort herb on or near acupuncture points. The heat helps to warm the body, stimulate acupuncture points, expel pathogens, and improve energy flow and blood circulation. Moxibustion can be used for a wide range of conditions, including: ... Cold and flu prevention IBS, colitis Menstrual cramps Chronic arthritic or muscle pain Breech baby in pregnancy As the weather becomes cold and damp, our achy joints may start to flare up. Moxibustion does wonders to warm up our joints and boost our overall circulation. Additionally, it helps to boost our immune system as we enter flu season. - Victoria Dong, R.Ac. (Original photo from SNAPTCM)

[#wellnesswednesday] It was difficult getting out for fresh air the past little while, wasn’t it? You might have felt even more cooped up or stressed than you did with social distancing. It’s raining now, but I still find it calming for myself to go out for a walk. . Making your way into nature has many psychological benefits. People that are more connected to nature have an increase in positive emotions, vitality, life satisfaction, the ability to reflect on life problems, a...nd the capacity to pay attention. They have lower levels of stress and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. . Connectedness to nature can also create a sense of belonging. With the feelings of disconnect and isolation due to social distancing, the connection to the natural world can soothe the soul. . Daily walks can be great. Breathe in fresh air. Let nature calm you. . - Dr. Rachel Lam, ND @drrachellam . doi: 10.1177/0013916508319745 doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00976 doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01178 . Original photo by Johannes Plenio. . . . . . #naturopathicmedicine #naturopathicdoctor #naturopath #health #wellness #stress #nature #mentalhealth #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #richmond #vancouver #yvr See more

Perhaps we should interpret love as a flowing process, as a commitment to daily action, rather than "present or not present." Love is maintained incrementally. - Source: Gottman Institute Marriage Minute For those of us in relationships, it is easy to try to quantify love. How many times have they done the dishes for me? How often do they buy me presents? When did they last say "I love you"? When was the last time we made love? These concrete actions are valuable; but the ...moment we start counting or ticking off the boxes of whether these things were done or undone, we risk feeling more empty. Rather than figuring out if love has been present or not present in your relationship, reflect on how you can commit to keeping this love flowing, and how your partner has kept the love flowing. Smiles and exchanged eye contact; a vacuumed vehicle, a clean bedroom, or folded laundry, could be some ways to show love incrementally. How can you keep this process flowing in your relationship? I would love the opportunity to explore this with you. Lianne Naguiat, MA, Clinical Counsellor (Image source: https://www.harmoniousearth.org/unconditional-love/)

Just throwing this out there Happy Monday friends!

Acupuncture points of the day: Back Shu Points These are a collection of points on the back, on either side of the spine. Points on each level of the spine stimulate the functions of a specific organ, and can be used to treat disorders in that organ system. ... (Original diagram by Lizbeth Barker) Interestingly, it has been found in studies that these acupuncture points correspond with dermatomes, sympathetic system and parasympathetic system. (https://www.researchgate.net//259571136_A_Neurosegmental_P) In additional to treating physical disorders of organs, Back Shu points can also be used when someone has experienced strong psychological or emotional stressors. The treatment involves needling the lung, pericardium, heart, liver, spleen and kidney Back Shu points bilaterally from top to bottom. This helps to clear the psychological and emotional blockage. If you experience discomfort or have a disorder in any of the organ systems, feel free to come in and learn more about how I can help you improve your health through acupuncture. - Victoria Dong, R.Ac.

A chiropractic adjustment is when a high velocity, low amplitude thrust is performed at a joint that is not moving well. Adjustments are based off the chiropractors assessments, and are performed on specifically targeted areas of the body. ... Restoring motion and mobility in the joints will: decrease muscle tension increase local blood flow help the central nervous system to function optimally decrease pain prevent injuries A chiropractic treatment combines spinal adjustments with other therapy modalities such as soft tissue therapy, cupping, ultrasound, and movement integration. Masks are mandatory at the clinic due to COVID-19. Please bring one with you to your next visit. See you soon! #chiropractic #vanchiro #getadjusted #spinehealth See more

[#motivationalmonday] A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms. Zen Shin . At one point or another in our lives, we all compare ourselves to other people: They’re better at this than I am, They’ve accomplished so much more than I have, or Why don’t I have their skills/talent/beauty? The crushing feeling of inadequacy follows. .... Everyone is on their own journey. While you may know of the insecurities and struggles of those closest to you, many individuals present themselves to others with a certain image, and this pretty, immaculate image is what you see. However, they’ve likely persevered through their own hardships to reach where they are now. Most won’t show their struggles to strangers, and their life story will remain unknown to you. There is no reason to compare. . Difficult as it may be, focus on your own journey. Remember that you are who and where you need to be at this moment. Know that you are beautiful and wonderful. Believe in yourself. And keep moving forward, step by step. . (Not to break the mood, but you can check out the full image of this photo @drrachellam This is only a third of it.) . - Dr. Rachel Lam, ND @drrachellam . Original photo by K. Mitch Hodge. . . . . . #naturopathicmedicine #naturopathicdoctor #naturopath #health #wellness #mentalhealth #mindset #comparisons #positivity #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #richmond #vancouver #yvr See more

Acupuncture point of the day: Large Intestine 4 (LI4, also known as HeGu) LI4 is one of the most powerful and commonly used acupuncture points, with a wide array of functions and benefits. Command point of the face and head area: toothaches, headaches (especially frontal and sinus headaches), allergies, hay fever, rhinitis, and any other ailments in the nose, eyes, mouth, teeth and jaw. ... Boosts immunity and clears external pathogens: helps to prevent and speed up recovery from cold and flu, something we all need in the upcoming flu season. One of the most powerful analgesic points: helps to relieve pain in any part of the body. Fun fact: In Taiwan, LI4 is sometimes used in dental procedures/surgeries for patients who cannot be administered conventional analgesia due to allergies, etc. Improves lymphatic & blood circulation: LI4 is often used together with LV3 (a Liver meridian point on the feet). This combination of points is called Four Gates, as it opens all the gateways in the body and clears all stagnations or blockages. The Four Gates also works wonders for emotional blockage, with the feeling of being stuck or trapped in a situation. Promotes labour: LI4 helps to prepare and facilitate the labour process during pregnancy. There are hundreds of acupuncture points throughout our body, and each has its own health benefits. Come in to see one of us (Victoria & Jason) to see how acupuncture can help you improve your well-being today. - Victoria Dong, R.Ac.

[#wellnesswednesday] Let’s go to the basics today! What is naturopathic medicine? For those new to it, I can see this question popping up in your heads. For those familiar with it, feel free to review! . Naturopathic medicine is a unique system of healthcare that combines traditional, natural medicineused for hundreds and even thousands of yearswith modern medical research. It’s the art and science of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease with the use of natural... therapies, including clinical nutrition, lifestyle counselling, traditional Asian medicine and acupuncture, botanical medicine, physical medicine, and homeopathy. . Naturopathic medicine is guided by the following six principles: First, do no harm (Primum non nocere). The least invasive and least toxic methods possible are used to treat individuals to optimize health and reduce harmful side effects. The healing power of nature (Vis medicatrix naturae). NDs seek to restore and support the body's inherent ability to heal. Treat the cause (Tolle causam). While naturopathic medicine alleviates symptoms to offer relief, this is often a "band-aid" method, and symptoms eventually return. The major focus of naturopathic medicine is thus on identifying and treating the root cause of disease. Treat the whole person. All aspects of the individualphysical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, environmentalare considered fundamental to health and are taken into account during assessment and treatment. Doctor as teacher (Docere). NDs help individuals understand health and illness, and teach them how to manage their own health. Disease prevention and health promotion. While naturopathic medicine is beneficial for addressing and treating illness, emphasis is also placed on maintaining health to prevent the occurrence of disease. . You can book an appointment for guidance on starting or continuing your journey to better health, or a complimentary meet-and-greet to learn more. Book online (link in bio) or call at 604-274-2692. . Check out the full image of this photo @drrachellam! This is just a third of it. . - Dr. Rachel Lam, ND @drrachellam . #naturopathicmedicine #naturopathicdoctor #yvr See more

Get to know Vitality’s Clinical Counsellor, Lianne Naguiat, MA, RCC, CCC: Here are FIVE statements about me: 4 are true, 1 is false. Can you guess which one is not true? 1. My childhood career dream was to become a social worker.... 2. I am a social butterfly and crave for situations where I could socialize with lot of new people. 3. I find gardening very therapeutic (especially weeding!) 4. I have climbed the Machu Pichu in Peru - 2 days up, 2 days down! 5. I have been with Team Vitality for a year and half now. .............................................................. Number 2 is false! As a child, throughout my teens, and even in my young adult years, I struggled with social anxiety. Extreme shyness and a lot of personal insecurities made social settings very difficult for me. I wish I knew then what I know now. To this day, social anxiety can still creep up on me from time to time, but fortunately I am able to handle it with better tools on my belt. We all have our personal struggles. What are yours? I would be happy to work with you and discover some strategies that you can add to your tool belt. #empoweryourself #mentalhealthmatters #counsellingcanchangeyourlife

Meet Cindy! Cindy is a part of our amazing front desk team. We asked her a few questions so you can get to know her better What are three fun facts about yourself?... I play squash (not the vegetable) at a varsity level I love reading as much as I love food (which is a lot !) and I’m open to exploring all genres I attend school in New York City and I can’t wait to further explore the city post covid What does health and wellness mean to you? I stand by the saying, feel well, do well. Taking care of ourselves is a highly important, but often overlooked aspect in our day to day lives. I try to accumulate small habits that add up to help me perform at my best - whether it is decreasing my screen time or doing a 5 minute meditation. I try to listen to my mind and body, making sure to fuel and nurture it the best I can. Health and wellness looks different on everybody, and that is why I love working at Vitality. There is something here for everyone’s different needs. I urge you to take a second to think about whether or not you’re doing everything to take care of your health - trust me, you’ll thank yourself later. See more

Negative ions, ironically, bring positive vibes! Research shows that negative ions can combat or prevent depressive symptoms and alleviate stress through the production of serotonin, a mood chemical. While well-known sources are beaches, waterfalls, mountains and the like, it’s not everyday that we can be in these settings, even if we wanted to! Perhaps it could be just a shower at the end of a stressful day, listening to a short meditation with ocean sounds in the background, or simply going for a walk to observe everything that triggers your sense of touch, sound, sight, and smell. What can you do to bring positive vibes? Our friendly and genuinely caring counsellor, Lianne, is curious to hear your story. Contact Vitality for more information.

We are super excited to have Dr. Lam back at the clinic!

JUNE 1st is our re-opening day! Please visit our website to view our detailed COVID-19 procedures. We look forward to welcoming you back.

Covid-19 Update Hi everyone! We miss you all. As many of you may have heard, we have been given the green light to open from mid-May onwards. Our team has been deliberating and discussing what our opening will look like, and we are currently planning to open sometime between early to mid June. The safety of our patients, staff and community is our number one priority, and we are approaching the opening slowly and methodically with caution. Our collective experience in public places in recent times has been far from what we are used to, and it will be no different at Vitality. We will be sharing more updates in the coming days. Thank you for your patience and we look forward to seeing you soon! - Team VIH