comox valley health & recreation guide

www.ComoxValleyHealtHandReCGuide.Com

Autumn IN THE VALLEY 2014

awakening Heart

tHe way of dying

water workout

Canine Biking

foot Pain

CoMoX VaLLey Hiking

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Published

in the Valley

for15Years

CV Health & Recreation Guide2

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Publisher’s Note

~ 2014 Winter iSSUe ~ Article submissions on health & recreation in the Comox Valley are required by November 1st, 2014 and ad submissions are required by November 15th, 2014.

Submission Guidelines can be found on our web site.www.comoxhealthandrecguide.com

Table of ContentsDon’t let arthritis slow you down . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 by Dr. Deidre Macdonald

Dignified and caring life transitions . . . . . . . . . 5 by Terri Odeneal

A common and treatable cause of vertigo . . 6 by Sue Bloxsome

Stay healthy while travelling abroad . . . . . . . . 7 by Susan Davies

Awakening heart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 by Fiona Black

Why our children dance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 by Tamara Ryan Telford

Two perspectives, one point of view . . . . . . . . . . . 10 by Andrew Walther

Feline weight management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 by Heather Matheson

What’s all the Fuss about Fascia? . . . . . . . . . . 14 by Liz White

Tips for travelling with seniors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 by Wendy Johnstone

The way of dying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 by Dale Presly

The promises of a water workout . . . . . . . . . . 19 by Regan Jamieson

More gain than just dealing with pain . . . . . . 20 by Lisa Lundy

Biking and running with your canine companion . . 22 by Van Isle Veterinary Hospital

Foot pain usually indicates a problem . . . . . . 24 by Trevor Pritoula

Why we like to be touched . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 by Dr. Dawn Armstrong

Malodorous feet solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 by Martha Forrest

Vibrational or Energy Healing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 by Gail Kettles

Fabulous fall hiking in the Comox Valley . . . . 30 by Sarah Seads

Front Cover: Submitted by Dionne at Freedom Now Yoga Studio & Clothing Boutique.

A warm welcome to all old and new readers to this fall issue!

A lot has happened in my 15 years of publishing this magazine, yet in many ways it only seems like yesterday as time has gone so fast.

I must thank all my faithful readers, advertisers, writers

and staff from the bottom of my heart for your loyal support over the years.

I look forward to the future to continue publishing the magazine and to take on new challenges. I hope to find new, interesting, helpful, inspiring, motivating and fun articles. If you have anything interesting to submit, please contact me.

As I write this I’m reminded of all the things in life I have to be thankful for, like family, friends past, present and future, and the privilege to bring helpful and interesting articles that people tell me they enjoy and find helpful over the years. I hope you enjoy all the articles in this issue, which includes travel advice from Susan Davies and Wendy Johnstone, a look at touch by Dawn Armstrong, and a thought-provoking piece entitled Awakening Heart by Fiona Black.

PUBLiSHer : Allan GearPHOne : 250.339.0252 FAX : 250.339.2210 eMAiL : [email protected] eDitOr : Scott StanfieldLAYOUt : Lenore LoweComox Valley Health & Recreation Guide is published 4 times a year. All rights are reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for, and does not endorse, the contents of any advertisement herein, and all representations or warranties made in such advertising are those of the advertiser and not the publisher. The publisher is not liable to any advertiser for any misprint(s) in or about the advertisement that is not the direct fault of the publisher. And, in such an event, the limit of the liability shall not exceed the amount of the publishers charges for such advertising. Articles published in Comox Valley Health & Recreation Guide are not necessarily the opinion of the publisher.

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In my years of naturopathic medical practice, I have been struck by the number of people who suffer from arthritis. In fact, it is the most common cause of disability in North America. Too many patients suffer from chronic pain, sleep disruption and mobility issues because of arthritis.

What concerns me is the global effect it can have on a person’s health. Arthritic conditions can limit exercise and result in compromised health from side-effects of long-term pain medication.

Consequently, I have been on the quest for solutions for people with arthritis pain. I have found a number of safe, non-toxic therapies that have proven effective in relieving pain, increasing mobility and reducing the need for surgery.

Conventional treatment options for arthritis are drug therapy and eventually surgery. Prescription medicines, while providing short-term relief, have significant problems associated with long-term use such as gastric bleeding, hepatitis, heart disease and addiction. Surgery has significant risks and limitations.

I counsel patients to employ a three-pronged approach to addressing arthritis. The first step is to support proper functioning of the joint. This might mean chiropractic manipulation, stretching the joint,

by Dr. Deidre Macdonald, ND

Don’t let Arthritis Slow You Down

and most importantly, strengthening the joint by engaging the muscles around it.

Secondly, I recommend low-level laser therapy. This is the one physical therapy that has been proven in numerous scientific studies to significantly reduce pain and inflammation of arthritis in a lasting manner. I have had patients come to my clinic for laser therapy who have consistently experienced significant pain relief for arthritis in shoulders, hands, knees, ankles, toes and spine. A meta-analysis of 36 double-blind, placebo-controlled study demonstrated that laser therapy reduced pain and inflammation while increasing range of motion in osteoarthritis of the knee. Further studies have shown similar results for osteoarthritis in other joints. Laser treatments are painless, have no side effects, and are reasonably priced.

The third aspect of treatment I recommend is to take advantage of safe, natural anti-inflammatory medicines. Examples include curcumin (extracted from turmeric), bromelain, serrapeptase, Kaprex and boswelia.

Don’t let arthritis relegate you to a life on the couch. A full, rich life may be possible with a new approach to joint health.

For more information about laser therapy for pain, contact Dr. Macdonald’s office at 897-0235, or at www.getwellhere.com. Dr. Macdonald is a naturopathic physician who has operated a natural medical practice in downtown Courtenay for 13 years.


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Why is it that, in western society, we are able to put an enormous emphasis and importance on birth and all the hope and joy that surrounds it but death and dying seem to remain almost taboo subjects? That’s a question that staff and volunteers of the Comox Valley Hospice Society encounter every day.

“While most of us tend to think of hospice care and reaching out to help families dealing with the dying process as an ‘old person’s’ issue, what we fail to realize is that the dying transition happens at every age, whether due to illness, accidents or other tragedies,” society president Audrey Craig said. “Left in the wake of such events are often young families, children and surviving parents who face a great many challenges and difficulties.”

Hospice is a philosophy of holistic comfort care to meet the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of dying people, their families and caregivers. For more than 30 years, hospice care has been dedicated to companioning people with life-limiting illness as living human beings so they can live fully until their last moment with caring and respect in the setting of their choice. It’s about helping loved ones learn to go on with their lives forever changed. And, it’s about supporting caregivers to cope with what can sometimes seem overwhelming. Hospice is also about encouraging each of us to begin to talk about Advance Care Planning—communicating the kind of medical care we would want if we were ever unable to speak for ourselves.

After 10 years of advocacy, people will soon have another option for care. A collaborative partnership between St. Joseph’s General Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, The Views, Comox Valley Hospice Society and Island Health is in the process of planning renovations at The Views and developing a hospice program of care that will bring the dream of residential hospice care to life. For people in our community who are unable or would choose not to remain at home, residential hospice care will offer a homelike environment with staff and volunteers to meet each person’s needs in a compassionate and dignified way.

Two important considerations have been endorsed by Island Health:

by Terri Odeneal

Dignified and Caring Life Transitions

• First, there will be no reduction in the complex care capacity (regularly funded or over-capacity funded) in the Comox Valley to accommodate the new space for residential hospice care.

• Second, only residents of The Views who wish to be relocated will transition to other facilities. Those transitions will be done with as little disruption as possible to residents realizing that The Views is their home. This process will begin in September and be respectfully geared to residents’ needs.

Let us know your ideas and questions by contacting the society at [email protected] or 250.339.5833. It is your ideas and input that will be necessary to ensure the care offered at the new hospice cluster will meet people’s needs with kindness, respect and compassion. If you’d like to help make your community a better place to live by volunteering with a wonderful group of people, contact our office to talk about the opportunities.


A common and treatable cause of vertigo

Did you know that complaints of dizziness and vertigo are one of the most common reasons that people visit their doctor? Despite the frequency of these complaints many people live for years with problems and never get a diagnosis.

Vertigo is a symptom, not a diagnosis, which can have different causes. It is the feeling that you are spinning, usually caused by a problem with the inner ear.

A common causes of vertigo is Benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo or BPPV. This impressive sounding problem is just what it says. Benign means it is not life-threatening (though it could be if standing on a ladder). Positional means you only get it in certain positions; paroxysmal means it comes on suddenly.

If you have BPPV you will experience vertigo only in certain positions, mainly turning over in bed, getting up, lying down, or looking up or down. The vertigo lasts for less than a minute even if you stay in the same position. Between attacks, you may feel normal or slightly off balance or ‘not quite right.’

BPPV is caused by a problem in the inner ear, which is essential for balance. There are three semi-circular canals which act as motion sensors in the inner ear. The canals contain fluid which moves when your head moves, stimulating a nerve to your brain to give information about the position of your head. Signals are then sent to the eyes to adjust the vision as the head moves. When you have BPPV, crystals normally present in another part of the inner ear become dislodged and move into one of the

by Sue Bloxsome, physiotherapistsemi-circular canals. When the crystals are in the canal they shift when you move your head into certain positions and send false signals to the brain. These signals produce abnormal eye movements called nystagmus, which creates the sensation of vertigo.

BPPV is the cause of dizziness in approximately 50 per cent of older people and usually comes on for no apparent reason. In younger people it can occur following a head injury or inner ear infection, and is more common in people with migraine. 2.4 per cent of all people will experience BPPV at some time during their life.

BPPV can last for days, weeks or years, and may go away on its own. But why wait? There is a simple manoeuvre that usually works in one or two treatments. The most common treatment is called the Epley manoeuvre, which works by moving the head into a series of positions which moves the crystals back to where they belong.

A physiotherapist or other professional with experience in vestibular disorders can do an assessment to determine if BPPV is the cause of symptoms, and can perform treatment if indicated. If the problem recurs many people can learn how to do the manoeuvre themselves or with the help of another person.

Other causes of vertigo or dizziness may also be helped by physiotherapy. This could include exercises for balance, and eye exercises to help stabilize the vision when the head is moving. Treatment of the neck may also be indicated as neck problems can cause dizziness.

If you have vertigo, treatment may be as simple as moving your head into different positions – something worth getting assessed for.

Sue Bloxsome is a physiotherapist at Courtenay Physiotherapy clinic. She can be reached at 250-338-8754. www.courtenayphysiotherapy.com

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Any kind of travelling can stress the body, but long-term travelling can be especially taxing. So, before you hit the departure lounge, ensure you know your health issues in advance. If you have an underlying medical condition, talk to your doctor about possible effects from the region’s climate and native diet, and the activities you will be doing.

Be sure to pack the proper medications and dosages, along with original prescriptions in case you need a refill. Check with your travel agent about proper requirements of transportation and storage of medicines, needles or syringes.

Buy medical travel insurance in case of emergencies and check that your policy covers all activities. Some policies have restrictions about sporting activities. Ensure you are covered if planning on participating in any kind of sport or tourist activity. Keep your policy handy with emergency numbers in case you should need to use it.

Consult a travel clinic to ensure regular immunizations are up to date. Get appropriate vaccines and drug therapies at least eight weeks before your departure date. Your local health clinic will help determine what, if any, vaccines you will need based on your destination.

Physical HealthShake off the effects of jetlag. You’ve travelled for what

seems like days and now you’re weary and have to adjust to another time zone. Minimize the wear on your body by avoiding alcohol and by drinking plenty of water before, during and after your flight. Get lots of rest before your journey and synchronize your body as soon as possible by following the schedule of the new time zone; eating and sleeping when they do.

Travellers diarrhea is one the most common illnesses. It can be brought on by a number of viruses, parasites and bacteria ingested through contaminated foods and water. Practice good dietary hygiene by avoiding the following hazards: drinking tap water, brushing your teeth with tap

by Susan Davies

Stay healthy while travelling abroad

Monday-Friday 9-7 pm Saturday 9-6 pm Sunday 10-5 pm477 6th St Courtenay www.edibleisland.ca 250.334.3116

water or consuming ice made from tap water; eating raw foods such as seafood, meat, or unwashed or unpeeled fruits and vegetables; eating undercooked meats or food from a street vendor. The common mantra among health professionals should be your anthem for your stays: peeled, boiled, cooked or forget it. This may not always be necessary to follow if you are staying at a resort or hotel, but it is good practice to check accommodations to see their policy regarding food service.

Freshwater swimming, while seemingly harmless in North America, can be problematic in tropical and subtropical areas. In these regions, rivers, lakes and other bodies of fresh water can be home to any number of parasites. Avoid swimming or bathing in water of unknown safety or that is potentially contaminated.

Emotional HealthIt’s not just the physical stress but also the mental

and emotional strain that can affect your body. Once the initial joy of your new adventure wears off it can turn to frustration, anxiety and poor adjustment when you can’t speak the language, are having trouble sleeping, haven’t adapted to the food and miss the comforts of home. Expect an adjustment period and know that you’ll experience some culture shock. It can take time to get your body and mind into a rhythm.

Prepare for your trip by learning about the country’s geographical conditions, language, cultural sensitivities and social nuances. Be open to new experiences and document them in a journal to help you express your feelings.


by Fiona Black

Awakening heart

I notice it all. The sound of my pen scratches the surface of paper. A car blows the four-way stop outside. The hum of the refrigerator. The quiet discomfort in my left shoulder nudges my awareness to change position. Cold toes. Tiredness in my eyelids. Stiffness in my neck. The anger and pain at war in my heart. I notice it all and surrender into my exhale. Underneath there is openness. A softness, a vulnerability in the vastness beneath the hurt. A jello-like consistency that is my tender heart.

Yet I break my heart, day after day, week after week, month after month. I do not stop until there is nothing left to break. Now my heart is shattered into a billion pieces. I make no attempt to pick it up anymore. I give up. Surrender. I walk away leaving the shards there, on the floor, jagged, painful, stained with blood. Ugly yet exquisitely beautiful. Don’t step on them, my mind whispers. Or, do step on them, again and again, until your feet are raw and bleeding.

I hear the ravens cawing loudly. They smell the blood. And fear. The pain. Their tough, nimble feet jump between the pieces. I am frozen as I watch them pick at the flesh between the shards. I float away from the redness, from the sound of beaks pecking. The bloody mess below me. The fragility of the human body, the ease with which my heart is torn apart by the black pointed beaks of the raven.

Floating further from my body the thoughts and emotions that had been pounding through me soften and ease. In their place an upwelling of pure freedom arises. I realize there is no me confined in the physical realm of the

body. The heaviness of thoughts and emotions no longer weigh me down. I am no longer contained. I am the blood on the shard and the raven’s beak. All of me is alive. Silently loud in a boundless ocean of consciousness. No form. No limit. Only expanding awareness.

At once I understand this awareness is the source of all my nourishment. It is who I am. This source is always there, continuously flowing. It is who I am beyond my physical body, beyond my mental construct, beyond the cage of my perceived reality. I am consciousness in its rawest form. Untarnished awareness. Pure love.

Slowly the emotions and thoughts become louder and heavier once again. I want to stay in this bliss, in this unformed state. But I am called back to my body, to the blood and the clicking of the raven’s claws on the sidewalk.

Air fills my lungs. I gasp in anticipation of the pain but instead I feel peace. As I look down at the shards I realize the heart on the floor is not real. That heart was my mind’s creation. Instinctively, I draw my hand to my true heart. Soft and tender and as infinitely wide as it is infinitely deep. My real heart, courageous and strong. A wise heart that is at peace even in the pain. I understand in that moment, I needed to keep breaking my heart until I could grasp the truth. The ravens had not been feeding on my heart, but pecking away the lies.

Although listening to my heart is much easier now, I still find myself drawn back to the broken pieces on the floor. Sometimes frantically trying to reconstruct them for safety and fear of feeling too much. Then I remember, again, who I really am. My true heart, my heart that is one with all hearts. This heart is my guide. Always.

An intuitive healer, BodyTalk practitioner and pilates teacher, you can find Fiona at Rasa - A Centre for the Healing Arts in Courtenay: [email protected] www.flourishbodytalk.com 250-650-0501.

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Why Our Children Dance

Strapping on that back-pack and running out the door is a Dance has become increasingly popular in today’s culture. Shows like Dance Mom’s, So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars have exposed to the non-dancing public the many different aspects of the dance world, both positive and negative.

Dance is competitive, physically demanding and can be painful, but is also invigorating, cathartic and joyous. Still, the question remains, do the positives outweigh the negatives?

Here are some responses from dance moms and dads when asked the question: What are your reasons for enrolling your children in dance?

“Attending dance class has provided both my girls with many benefits. It is a fabulous opportunity to keep physically and mentally healthy. Dance gives them purposeful activity after school, structure, and an opportunity to develop healthy friendships. Dance develops both sides of the brain - the artistic side and the logical side. It develops self-discipline, self-confidence and self-esteem. It has helped my girls develop strength, flexibility, co-ordination, balance, posture and cardio-vascular fitness. I think they also sleep better. And dance is fun! Through dance they have developed amazing social skills such as communication, trust, being a team player, co-operation, and confidence in front of an audience or the public. These skills will help them throughout life in their education, work environment, and as they work towards career goals. They have developed motivation, discipline to focus, listening skills, memory and a unique awareness. Most importantly I see young adults with positive attitude towards themselves and life.” Rosalind Coy (occupational therapist and dance mom)

“The dance world has given my daughter an ‘extended family’ to support her in pushing her limits and achieving new goals.” Amelia Bernard (teacher and dance mom)

“I see how the reward of hard work, determination and support has given her the tools to show her that if she wants something so bad she can do it. I see how she looks up to the senior dancers and how they mentor her. One day she will be the senior girl and can be the mentor. This is an important trait to have and will have a lasting effect.” Nikki Mahy (financial consultant and dance mom)

“Dance has been a huge confidence boost for our daughter. She has forged some wonderful friendships and is committed to dancing all the time.” Brian Carmichael (teacher and dance dad)

“I see how dance has brought out the creativity, attention to detail and expression in my students. I see youth in our studio with an incredible work ethic, the ability to take constructive criticism, to show empathy and patience. One of the greatest things children learn through dance is how to win with humility and lose with grace. I believe that the process that goes along with being a dancer needs to be valued more than the product.” Tamara Ryan Telford (studio owner, teacher and dance mom)

A recurring theme throughout the responses were the building of long-lasting friendships. Children create bonds with peers, students younger and older than themselves and with teachers. It generates creativity in all ages, encourages goal setting, teaches skills applicable to all areas of life, no matter the career choice, and of course, as an artistic sport, builds towards a life of health and wellness. It also helps one appreciate those dance shows all the more. As we near the fall and start of a new year, and are looking for things for our children to do, why not consider dance?

Tamara Ryan Telford, Live Gill Harding and Michelle Henly, Triple Heat Dance - Academy of Performing Arts. Contact: [email protected] or visit www.tripleheatdance.com

by Tamara Ryan Telford


by Andrew Walther

Comox Bay Sailing Club . . . Two perspectives, one point of view

If you think that veteran sailor and local farmer Gerry McClintock and Highland grad, Theo Truax, wouldn’t have much in common, then you’re mistaken. The two share a passion for sailing in Comox Bay and have built a lifestyle around the sport.

McClintock’s affiliation with sailing and the Comox Bay Sailing Club goes back to the early ‘70s when the Comox Marina was newly built and the CBSC was ‘the thing’ to do in the Valley. Members moored their 20-

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by Andrew Walther

Comox Bay Sailing Club . . . Two perspectives, one point of view

26 foot keelboats alongside a storage area for dinghies, some which club members built and crafted themselves. Racing was a serious undertaking. Every other weekend, 12-18 keelboats would take to the bay on an ever-changing course overseen by officials. Back then with the Valley’s population hovering at 25,000, sailing was one of only a few popular recreational sports.

With a growing population and an exponential increase in the number of sports like mountain biking and kayaking, Gerry’s seen a shift.

“The Club is evolving,” says McClintock, referring to the sailing school, junior race team and on-going keelboat racing. “CBSC sailors develop their skills in the bay, where no two days offer the same conditions.”

Enter Truax. As a 12-year old, Theo joined a CBCS sailing lesson with his family as something fun to do together. It was a great way to get out on the water, and the ever-changing conditions of winds and tides kept him interested. Combine that with excellent coaching and loads of fun with the race team and coach Rob Douglas, Theo was hooked.

Now, Theo reflects on his development as a sailor. Graduating from Highland Secondary this spring, he feels that sailing has provided him with many opportunities, from racing, summer jobs spent coaching, and the simple pleasure of having fun on the coastal waters of the Comox Valley.

“I identify myself as a sailor, this is who I am. It’s a skill and a trade,” says Theo.

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Feline obesity is a growing problem, one that can lead to numerous health issues, diabetes being the most common.

Buddy joined the Balanced Paws team in May of 2013, weighing in at 30 pounds of feline, not the best mascot for a holistic veterinary clinic.

Here is what Buddy-Boot-Camp looked like.• Diet: Raw food is ideal

for weight control being high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are not a friend to our felines. Cats are carnivores and in nature eat mice, one of the highest sources of taurine and no carbs. When offered raw food Buddy gave us the stink-eye and promptly flicked it across the room. Hence we chose Purina OM (overweight management) a high protein, low carb kibble.

• Food dispenser: Buddy went from free choice feeding to working for his food. Kibble is placed into a dispenser that Buddy bats around and kibble falls out. It took about four days for Buddy to get the hang of it and now he is quite adept and even

spins the lid off on occasion. • Exercise: When Buddy first joined us he could only climb about two stairs, huffing and puffing, and he routinely got turtled on his back and stuck for 10 minutes at a time. We placed Buddy’s food dispenser at the top of a flight of stairs. It backfired a couple of times when he pitched the food dispenser down the stairs, kibble everywhere enabling

him to graze his way down.• Swimming! Who said cats can’t swim? Swimming

was invaluable when it came to increasing Buddy’s metabolism. Buddy’s first and subsequent

by Dr. Heather Matheson

Feline weight management: Buddy’s story…

Photos submitted by Heather Matheson


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• Bathing: Fat cats accumulate dander due to an inability to groom appropriately, especially in those hard to reach places. Bathing made Buddy feel obviously much better, plus there was a lot of post-bath licking and cleaning to be done. It all uses up calories.

• Stimulate Play: Difficult to do with a lump of feline. Laser pointers, string and any variety of toys. We did try many with Buddy all of which were received with a look of distain. We are happy to report that Buddy did just chase his first bug.

Nobody said that feline fitness was easy, but it can be done. A few pounds can make a big difference.

After eight months Buddy is down from 30 to 23.4 pounds. He is still a work in progress with his target weight being 14 pounds.

Essentially Buddy has lost the equivalent of a 6.6 pound cat!

Dr. Heather Matheson can be reached at Balanced Paws Veternary Care: 250-871-4355 or for more information visit her website at www.balancedpawsvet.com.

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SWhat’s all the Fuss about Fascia?

Have you been hearing a lot about fascia lately? If not, and if you are interested in muscular conditioning, you soon will be. In the past, fascia didn’t receive a lot of attention in orthopedic science. This was primarily because it was impossible to examine all fascial properties. However, thanks to improvements in ultrasound imaging, researchers have been able to explore the magnitude and complexity of this connective tissue network. The findings are nothing less than extraordinary and may necessitate the rewriting of all the anatomy textbooks!

Open any book on anatomy and you’ll see clearly defined muscles, tendons, nerves and blood vessels. Where’s the fascia? For that matter, what exactly is fascia?

Fascia is the connective tissue that binds all the structures in our body into a single unit. You can forget that old saying about your knee bone being connected to your shin bone. It would be more accurate to say that your knee bone is connected to your ear. Not all connective tissue is fascia, however. Blood, bone and cartilage are also connective tissue. Fascia falls under the category of ‘general connective tissue’ (Grays Anatomy, 1974) and it

by Liz White, M.Sc.can be either regular in form or irregular, in which case it forms a mesh that connects tissues and yet allows movement. Some authors have provided more visual descriptions. For example, Schleip says, “It is one large body stocking with hundreds of bags, pockets and slings.” Ingber says, “Every cell of the body is hooked into, and responds to, the tensional environment of the fascia.”

In scientific lingo, fascia is a complex, meaning that it has several components. These are elastin, collagen and a ground substance that is a gelatinous-like component that facilitates the transport of substances that are involved in the body’s metabolism (i.e., in the creation of energy) and also acts like a cushion. Therefore, fascia has a lot of elastic properties. In fact, the pioneers in the study of fascia say that with training, we can be like antelopes! It is elasticity, or the ability to use energy explosively, that enables the antelope to bound across the African savanna, and humans have that same capacity.

On the other hand, if the fascia becomes tough and leathery, it compresses the container housing the muscles, and the muscle will be unable to function properly. Damaged or unconditioned fascia can therefore affect muscle quality. New data indicates that fascia may be more instrumental in body design and movement ability than muscles. The traditional training model only includes cardiovascular conditioning, muscular strengthening and neuromuscular co-ordination. It doesn’t consider the role of fascia. The newest research challenges the old model and provides insight into the biomechanics of the fascial web.

So, how exactly are we supposed to train this web? We need to train to enhance the elasticity of the fascial web. The easiest way is to attend a class that promotes ‘fluid’ or fascial conditioning. Since fascia is much like a spring, we can help the fiber rebuilding process by treating the body as if it is the spring. Appropriate classes will include end range pulsations and whole body movement patterns. They should be playful, progressive and balanced while avoiding repetition. Props and imagery are useful for increasing awareness.

The good news is mind-body practitioners and functional trainers have been training the fascia all along, even if they weren’t necessarily aware of it. The following programming inclusions condition the fascia:• Efficient breath patterns• Posture and alignment• Three-dimensional movement


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• Eccentric control (the returning phase of the movement)• Whole kinetic chain movements• Mindfulness, ‘being present’ during exercise.

Exercise science is continually evolving and changing, and the new field of fascial research is fascinating. Watch out for programming that incorporates these new ideas as I anticipate that the next decade will produce a whole new understanding of how our bodies respond to exercise, and how we can create and maintain a healthy, resilient and elastic body.

Read other articles about healthy aging on Liz White’s website at www.energysourcepilates.weebly.com.

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Several of our clients have enjoyed travelling this summer, and we’ve had the privilege of assist-ing with their planning.

Along the way, we’ve learned a few things about seniors travelling on their own and with a family member. It seems like a good time to share them.

Whether taking a train, plane or tent trailer, you can find a few tips for a safe and enjoyable trip.

Although a spontaneous trip is exciting, so too can a trip to a hospital because you forgot to pack medication or didn’t realize the hostel only had stairs, causing joint pain.

Talking to your transportation company and accommodation provider in advance is probably the most important thing you can do (and of course

by Wendy Johnstone, Gerontologist

Tips for travelling with seniors

reading this column).Tips for travelling with seniors:• Don’t underplay your challenges. Be clear with your

travel agent, transportation company and accommoda-tion provider about your limitations. This is not the time to overestimate your abilities or minimize your health, mental or mobility challenges. Not all disabilities or challenges are evident. Giving specific details allows for better service.

• Research your destination. Take time to familiarize with climate and ease-of-access places to see. Most cities are investing in age-friendly communities and provide in-formation on accessible attractions. It’s also handy to find medical and health facilities at your final destina-tion.

• Medications. Ask about how medications are handled at security checkpoints and what documentation you need. For example, most transportation providers re-quest medications be kept in original containers. Some over-the-counter products require prescriptions in other countries, including the U.S. Keep prescription informa-tion with other documentation close at hand. Pack an extra supply of medication. If you use oxygen, airlines have rules about how they handle it and may not allow yours on board.

• Assistive Devices. If you use a wheelchair or other mo-

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bility aids, alert your transportation company in ad-vance to allow for proper preparation. You may need to transfer to a boarding wheelchair between check-in and boarding. You can ask to delay this as long as possible. Ask how a mobility aid will be secured and stored. If you have a hearing aid, be sure to carry extra batteries. Al-ways carry an extra set of glasses, and the prescription for replacement.

• Ask for help. When travelling, there are several points along your journey where you can receive help from check-in to transferring from a personal wheelchair to a seat, and moving through customs and immigration zones. Giving travel providers at least 72 hours advance notice will ensure you get help. You may want a friend or family member to assist you through the terminal. Ask ahead of time if you can get a temporary pass to get your escort through the secure zone to the boarding area.

• The Canadian Transportation Agency has a great pub-lication called Take Charge of Your Travel: A Guide for Persons with Disabilities. Download it from http://www.otc-cta.gc.ca/eng/take-charge or call 1-888-222-2592 or by TTY at 1-800-669-5575.

Wendy Johnstone is a gerontologist and owner of Keystone Eldercare Solutions and can be reached at 250-650-2359 or visit www.keystoneeldercare.com.

Rosemarie’s passionate, results-driven service attitude has been key in developing relationships with integrity and respect. With 10 years experience with First Memorial Funeral Services in Victoria, Rosemarie invites you to call her for your complimentary “Personal Planning Guide” and if you are a member of a group or service organization and are searching for a dynamic speaker for a 15-minute presentation on “Dying to know before you go” please call Rosemarie. A door prize and cake will be offered for participants.

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Matters of Aging Cont...

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We have forgotten how to die a good death. A fact that both contradicts and confirms what we suspect about dying, as any statement of loss does. How can this be? After all, people are still dying.

And it’s true, people are dying. But the way of their dying is not altogether good. Recall a death of someone close and ask yourself if the manner of their dying is something you would accept for yourself.

Regardless of whether their death was good or not, the term ‘good’ doesn’t tell us much about dying. Neither does its opposite. Is there such a thing as a bad death? Of course not. Just as there are no bad sunsets, only the ones we miss, obscured as they are by clouds or the landscape. Death is hidden in a different landscape.

Good deaths are rare in these days of miracle medicine and wonder drugs. Shockingly so, given the promise they make, that of more time. Do we need more time to die? Apparently not for some. Witness the growing numbers of assisted suicide and palliative sedation.

Time is the problem. There is either too much of it or not enough. Usually it’s the latter and so we bargain. The bargaining for more time at the end of life states that we are going to do the things we should be doing now, but aren’t. Hence the reference to a bucket list, one more sign of the epidemic of forgetfulness that surrounds us now.

As Krishnamurti observed, we fear dying because we have postponed it. He’s right. We put off dying with the help of a lie. And the lie is this: your story will never end but will continue on to an unimagined future where you lose your mind and what remains of your body.

But it doesn’t stop there. You bargained for more time, remember? Included in the bargain was a promise made by you in writing, that you will not be present at the time of your death. The hope is that others will direct the process the best way they can. This is called advance care planning.

Good deaths are rare but they do occur. We remember them because they stand apart as special in some way. The dying had a quality to it that arose out of its location, often in the home, and its timing. The dying person was in charge of both.

A good death is remembered for another reason. There is a time to die and all we need do is to recognize it. Nothing more is required.

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We If you are not exercising in water, you are missing out on one of the best ways to train for fitness. The properties of water make it a powerful medium to exercise in. Regulated indoor swimming pools ensure that even on the worst of the gloomy days you can exercise to the level you desire. A common misconception about water fitness is that it is generally designed for the elderly, injured or chronically ill. In reality, water fitness is for everyone – from an individual trying to get back into an exercise routine, to an extreme athlete looking for a safe cross-training method.

Did you know that water resistance forces muscles to work harder than if exercising on land, and that up to 750 calories can be burned in one hour of cardio exercises? Water is about 1,000 times denser than air. Unlike exercising on land, muscles in water are forced to work against the upward thrust of buoyancy. Simply changing the surface area of the body can change the intensity of the resistance. For example, to decrease intensity, try a slicing motion with your hands or decrease the length of your limbs by bending the elbow or knees.

If you have ever exercised in the water and tried to reach your target heart rate you will know this is a difficult task, but do not be fooled by your heart rate. Due to hydrostatic pressure your heart rate in the water decreases about 17 beats per minute compared to exercising on land. In a vertical position the pressure from water is greater at the feet than the chest. As a result, fluids in lower extremities shift upwards with ease. Venous return is enhanced, filling the heart with more blood. More blood in the chambers allows the heart muscle to pump a larger quantity of blood back into the body with each contraction. Muscles get the nutrients they need with less effort from the heart, thus bringing the heart rate down. Remember, just because your heart rate seems low it doesn’t mean you’re not getting a strenuous workout.

Water buoyancy decreases the effects of gravity on joint loading. An individual who weighs 70 kg on land will only weigh about seven kg in the water. People experiencing load-bearing difficulty on land due to painful joint disorders or overtraining are able to exercise in water with comfort and ease. With little to no gravitational pressure on joints, water makes a strong counterpart to a land exercise routine, allowing a person to train more without the risk of injury. Exercising in waist deep water will

allow about 50 per cent gravitation pull. In chest deep water there is about 25 per cent gravitation pull. Exercising in neck deep water will have about a 10 per cent gravitational pull on the body.

Another wonderful quality of water is thermal conductivity. On land, when you begin to heat up, core temperature rises and blood is shunted to the skin to be cooled by air. Density of water ensures it has a higher rate of thermo-conductivity than air. Although both air and water pull heat away from an object, water will wick heat away in a more efficient way. You will not overheat while exercising in cooler water at a high-intensity level. Blood that otherwise would have been sent to the skin to cool during land exercise can now concentrate on feeding the muscles allowing for longevity of a fitness program.

Turbulent water creates an unstable environment for muscles. Because turbulence will move the body in unpredictable ways it engages core and postural muscles. Not only will turbulence improve core strength and balance, it will gently massage muscles during exercise and improve circulation. Participants can increase workout intensity by increasing the turbulence of water. The more the water moves around a body, the more difficult it is to remain in place with proper posture.

The benefits of water exercise are abundant for people of all ages and abilities. The properties of water will improve cardiovascular health, muscular strength, range of motion, flexibility and balance. Water promises to give a safe, full body workout while promoting circulation. Understanding water properties allows you to personalize your workout to ensure you are getting exactly what you need for your fitness routine. Jump into the water and enrich your fitness experience. www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/rec

by Regan Jamieson, leader of arena and fitness programs, CVRD’s sports and aquatic centres

The Promises of a Water Workout

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by Dr. Lisa Lundy

More gain than just dealing with pain

When I first commenced my training in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) over 20 years ago, I was one student in a class of five, some of my teachers had practiced when acupuncture was considered illegal, and most of the population still considered it voodoo medicine.

In the last five to seven years, acupuncture and Chinese medicine has gained much more attention. It has become regulated in five provinces in Canada. We are hearing more about statistically sound studies proving the merits of this age old medicine. We are reading in the media about athletes, superstars and even prize winning race horses receiving this care, and seeing more articles that acknowledge its benefits for

helping with health issues from infertility to cancer. Two decades ago it was hard to know where to find this care and now it is harder to avoid it. Even other professional disciplines have jumped into the ring and are now offering variations on this 5,000-year-old theme.

With increased exposure and use of acupuncture in mainstream care, training requirements varying from a few hundred hours for those using it at as an adjunctive service and others training solely in TCM for several thousand hours, some of the greatest gifts of true Chinese medicine are at risk of being missed.

Perhaps the most succinct way of expressing this is in remembering its history. In the past, TCM doctors were only paid for their service when patients were healthy. Pain and illness were not valued — a state of well-being was.

While this concept may seem extreme, it is essentially what we do with gardens. Yes, here I come with that earth-based analogy again. We grow food in our garden, inspect and treat it for pests, protect it at certain times of year from weather, we work with and respond to changes of each season, and we replenish nutrients in the soil regularly so that it can continue to provide for us and grow good food. Our bodies are like a garden bed, our pain like the pests, the seasons are just as influential, and when we are replenished we can grow a good life and approach challenges with greater strength.

Traditional uses of this medicine have not just been as a muscle-altering, needle-poking treatment for pain, but a whole body approach offering replenishment and healing. Injury, arthritis, hormonal imbalance,

Dr. Lisa J. Lundy B.Sc., Dr. TCM

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infertility, adrenal exhaustion, anxiety, depression, allergies and digestive issues are considered states of imbalance which will potentially benefit from different support at different seasons, be they the seasons of a year or the seasons in a life. What benefits a 20-year-old soccer player with knee pain in the summer is different than what benefits a 70-year-old retired logger with the same kind of knee pain in winter. Although the same muscles may be involved, the quality of the “soil” in each individual will vary and benefit from a different approach. Each is assessed and supported through use of the myriad of tools and the complex system used in TCM.

People frequently first resource TCM because of pain, but a high percentage later reflect on how many other health issues improve after they receive care. Many ask with a sweet sense of curiosity what would happen if they received treatments not for pain but just to maintain well-being. They begin to recognize subtle changes in their body over the seasons coupled with the demands of their lives and how just like any other object such as a vehicle, a building or a garden benefit from maintenance, so too might their bodies.

And so we arrive back at the beginning of its true intent, which is so similarly aligned with nature and the fact that seasons come and go, but with simple and regular support, the soil can provide for a long time. I believe practitioners of TCM are great farmers. May you stay healthy with your seasons.

Dr. Lisa Lundy can be reached at 250-334-0655 or [email protected]. For more information visit www.drlisalundy.com.

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dogs) such as pugs, bulldogs and shih tzus are not good candidates as they tend to overheat quickly and have difficulty breathing during this type of exercise. These breeds prefer a leisurely stroll more than running behind a bike. Dogs should be full grown before attempting intense exercise to reduce the risk of orthopedic injuries, cruciate ligament injuries and hip dysplasia. This can take up to two years for some of the giant breeds. Once a dog reaches its senior years, around eight, osteoarthritis can cause pain and lameness, and can worsen after an intense workout.

Other things to consider are the surface on which you exercise, weather and water access. Avoid pavement on warm days, never bike with your dog on hot and humid days, and ensure access to water when exercising. Dogs are prone to heat stroke just like humans, and they won’t always tell you when it’s time to slow down or take a break.

Be aware of your dogs’ abilities and limitations. Not all dogs can be safely trained to run alongside their owner while biking or jogging. Accidents may happen in the wrong environment with an unsuited dog, potentially causing injury to both dog and human. If your dog is lagging behind, then slow down or rest. All dogs, including working dogs, are built for short, intense bursts of speed with frequent stops for sniffing, eliminating and drinking. If he seems stiff or sore after particular activities, then it is best to have him assessed by your veterinarian. You may have to modify your exercise routine.

Did you know that dog owners exercise on average 300 minutes per week compared to non-dog owners who exercise only 186 minutes per week? There are many benefits to exercising with your pet: reducing destructive/unwanted behaviours, helping timid or fearful dogs, and improving overall health.

While exercising is beneficial to all, it is important to ensure your dog is in good health prior to pursuing particular activities. As with people, it is important to avoid sporadic, intense workouts and to ensure you keep your animal well conditioned for activities such as biking or jogging. The Vally has many trails and off-leash parks, but be aware that not all breeds are built for these activities. Brachycephalic breeds (flat faced

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I am always amazed when I perform an assessment on a new client and they remark that the foot pain they are seeing me for that day has been present for a year or longer. For some reason — whether it is related to an age-old belief that foot pain is a fact of life, it will eventually get better on its own, or there is nothing that can be done to cure it — people generally tolerate pain in their feet (and lower extremities) more than any other part of the body.

There are obvious causes of foot pain including an injury or trauma, but what about pain that develops suddenly or gradually with no injury? Pain in the foot indicates there is something wrong with either the interaction of internal structures of the foot or with how the foot is interacting with external influences. How and when the pain occurs and locations of the pain are primary clues to what may be causing the pain. When there is pain, the body reacts by changing the way it moves or functions in an effort to reduce the pain, hence a limp or an obvious compensation when ambulating. These people are easily detected in a crowd and are potentially suffering needlessly.

by Trevor Pritoula B.Kin, C.Ped.C.

Painful Feet? . . . Pain usually indicates there’s a problem

There are many different causes of foot pain. Being overweight and aging can increase your chances of developing problems. Pain can be due to a problem of any component of the foot. Some problems start in the foot itself; for example, from an injury. Other problems can come from disorders that relate to parts of the body, such as diabetes, gout or arthritis. Bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, fascia, toenail beds, nerves, blood vessels or skin can be the source of foot pain.

Poor biomechanical alignment may lead to pain. Flat feet/fallen arches (excessive pronation: foot/ankle rolls inward) may cause increased stress on the bones, joints and soft tissues within the feet and is a major source of foot pain. High arches (supination: foot/ankle rolls outward) can also promote foot problems with increased pressure on the heel/forefoot and a lack of shock absorption.

Improper footwear is also a contributing factor to foot woes. Tight shoes or high heels can cause pain around the balls of the feet and bones in that area. Shoes tied too tightly may cause pain, numbness and bruising on top of the foot. Shoes that are too loose do not provide adequate support to the foot structure and may permit movement to strain ligaments and tendons. Problems causing foot pain may include the following:• Bunions: A bump on the side of the big toe joint,

becomes inflamed often and develops over time from intrinsic problems within the foot and/or wearing narrow-toed shoes.

• Calluses and corns: Thickened skin from rubbing or pressure. Calluses are diffuse, thickened areas of skin, developing on weight-bearing surfaces. Corns are deeper lesions developing where pressure on the skin is concentrated, and can occur on the sole or toes.

• Hammer toes: Toes that curl downward into a claw-like position.

• Plantar fasciitis/heel spurs: inflammation of connective tissue on the bottom of the foot in response to excessive tension/strain by single or repetitive forces.

• Metatarsalgia: Inflammation of the forefoot bones, usually related to fallen metatarsal/forefoot arch.

• Neuroma: Painful, inflamed nerve in forefoot area, usually causing severe discomfort, numbness radiating into toes.

• Plantar warts: Skin growths on the soles of feet due to a virus.

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“Tired feet” are not a medical condition, but a common complaint related to various medical conditions. Muscle fatigue can be due to an abnormal structure that can overburden the foot. Tired feet can also develop because of other factors such as obesity, improper footwear, pregnancy, leg swelling, increased activity level or compensation from an injury.

Treatment depends on the exact cause of foot pain. It may include rest, pain relievers, stretching exercises, and change in habits or footwear. It may include a walking cast boot to give foot structures adequate rest in order to heal. You may need to wear orthotics or inserts, do physical therapy to relieve tight or overused muscles, or have foot surgery.

The following steps may help relieve foot pain:• Apply ice to reduce pain and swelling.• Raise your painful foot as much as possible.• Reduce/modify activity until you feel better.• Avoid barefoot. Wear most comfortable

footwear as much as possible when pain is present.

• Wear shoes with plenty of room around the ball of your foot and toe.

• Replace running shoes frequently.• To avoid excessive strain on your feet, increase

amount of exercise slowly over time.• Lose weight if you need to.• Learn exercises to stretch and/or strengthen

your feet and related structures. • When to contact a doctor:• If you have sudden, severe foot pain.• Following an injury, especially if you cannot

bear weight.• If foot is red/swollen, has an open sore or

ulcer, or a fever.• If you also have diabetes or a disease that

affects blood circulation.• If your foot does not feel better after using self

treatments for one to two weeks.Foot pain is one of the most common troubles people encounter. Unfortunately, over our lifetime, the odds are against us with three quarters of people experiencing some sort of physical condition directly associated with their feet. Whether it is blisters, bunions, warts, athlete’s foot, lower back pain or arch/heel pain, your feet are integral to your health, your mobility and overall quality of life.


Why We Like To Be Touched

It turns out we don’t just learn that touch is good for us – it is hard-wired into our nervous system.

Dr. Catherine Bushnell of McGill University revealed a direct physical connection between the emotional part of the brain (the limbic system) and a newly-discovered network of nerves.

The nervous system is highly complex, even if you just consider its sensory components.

Bushnell’s work has uncovered another detail of its workings. It is a finding that could have profoundly valuable implications for people who suffer fibromyalgia, or chronic fatigue syndrome and unrelenting pain.

It turns out that touch is not a simple thing. Our sensory system is made up of special nerve endings of which there are different types. Some respond to pressure or pain, others to temperature, vibration or texture. They have names like Krause’s End Bulbs, Meissner’s Corpuscles, Nociceptors or Merkel’s Discs.

Then there are fibres which carry impulses into the Central Nervous System – to the spinal cord and up to the brain where we can interpret and appreciate the sensation. These fibres, or transmission cables, are described as being ‘fast’ or ‘slow.’ Most are of the fast variety. Until recently, we understood little about the slow system.

by Dr. Dawn Armstrong, B.Sc.,D.C In 1990, researchers discovered that much of the human body’s surface is densely innervated by a particular type of slow nerve fibres which we now know are connected to the emotional centres of our brain.

In order to understand this slow system, researchers needed to study someone who had no fast one.

Bushnell and her associate got their chance in 1999. A Montreal woman lost her fast fibre system to a rare inflammatory condition. She had no sensation of touch on her arms and legs and, if she couldn’t see them, she had no awareness that they were there.

When the researchers stroked and massaged her limbs she could not say where they were touching or how. But the MRI showed the emotional centres of her brain to be lighting up like a Christmas tree. She experienced it as a “pleasurable pressure.”

The researchers speculate that because they have identified this specific type of nerves which turn touch into pleasurable emotion, it could be used to counteract and perhaps override the pain system.

Stimulation of these pleasure fibres is essential for our well-being. If you are experiencing the challenges of chronic or severe or nagging pain, it should play a big part in your self-care. Hands-on health care professionals can help make the difference between suffering and joy, between pain and pleasure.

There are safe and effective alternatives to drugs for your back pain or arthritis. Respect for the human body is not available by prescription or over the counter.

Dr. Dawn Armstrong can be reached at (250) 465-8482.

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Malodorous Feet Solutions

Do friends and family members leave the room when you remove your shoes? You may be experiencing the common problem of bromidrosis, commonly referred to as stinky feet. This happens when bacteria in our skin breaks down perspiration. The shoes we wear can be the main culprit to this embarrassing problem.

According to Andrew Springer, chiropodist/foot specialist at the Glazier Medical Centre in Oshawa, Ont., much of the time our feet live in a dark, moist environment, perfect for the growth of bacteria, mould and fungus. Even when you practice daily foot hygiene, putting your feet inside damp, stinky shoes will create problems.

There are more sweat glands in feet than any other part of the body. Dr. Springer suggests washing feet in warm, soapy water every day, taking care to dry well between the toes. In some cases, soaps containing triclosan have been shown to be effective antibacterials. Recently, however, there have been concerns raised about bacterial resistance and the effects of triclosan.

Another treatment which has proven effective is soaking the feet in tea. The tannic acid in tea is helpful in reducing bacteria. Alternating shoes daily to give them a chance to dry out is also recommended to avoid problems resulting from moisture.

Sweat can be reduced by wearing socks made of mostly natural fibres such as wool or cotton as they breathe better than nylon or polyester. Foot antiperspirants such as Drysol dramatically reduce the amount of perspiration produced by feet. An herbal cream foot deodorant known as Foot Fresh is also helpful.

Teenagers and pregnant women are affected by

by Martha Forrest excessive perspiration due to the body’s hormonal changes. Certain prescription medications can exacerbate the problem also.

There are numerous treatments available, from hibiscrub antibacterial soap to medicated insoles to a low-intensity electric current treatment called iontophoresis. There is no need to feel like your smelly feet are controlling your life. Ask your doctor to refer you to a foot specialist.

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Vibrational or Energy Healing: an Overview

Vibration is defined as a repetitive movement. A guitar string vibrates when plucked; the number of times the string goes back and forth per second is the frequency of vibration. This registers with us as a specific sound. If you change the frequency, you change the sound.

Some frequencies are too high for our senses to pick up. For example, a dog whistle vibrates at too high a frequency to hear, but dogs can hear it. Sound, colour, temperature are all sensed when their frequency of vibrations are within a certain range.

Quantum physics is based on the theory that what we see as matter, including our bodies, are really particles vibrating at particular frequencies. If you change the frequency, you change the nature of the particle.

Energy or vibrational healing is based on the belief that when the elements of our bodies vibrate at a higher frequency, our cells become healthier.

So how do we increase the frequency of our vibrations?

One possibility is ‘entrainment,’ which Gregg Braden describes in his book, Walking Between the Worlds, as:

an alignment of forces, or fields of energy, to allow maximum transfer of information or communication. For example, consider two elements adjacent to one another and each is vibrating. One is vibrating at a faster rate. The tendency for the element of slower vibration to synchronize and match the element of faster vibration may be considered entrainment … the faster vibration has entrained the slower vibration.

Practitioners of energy (or vibrational) healing

use entrainment in various ways to raise the rate of vibrations of the entire body or of certain parts. For example, laser therapy uses a certain level of light vibration focused on specific areas needing to be healed. Other therapies include the use of colours, sounds or aromas.

Even thoughts and emotions have vibrations and, therefore, can affect our bodies and energy vibrations of people around us. Dr. Masaru Emoto, in his book, The Hidden Messages in Water, describes experiments where crystals in frozen water changed when certain thoughts were directed at them. Also, many people with a green thumb are convinced that plants thrive because of loving thoughts directed at them.

Some forms of energy healing use entrainment by means of the body/mind/soul of the practitioner. In this case, vibrations of the practitioner, if at a higher level than the client, cause the client’s rate of vibration to increase, which results in healing. (It is assumed that if the client is sick and the practitioner is not, the latter’s general level of vibration will be higher).

Of course, it isn’t necessary for one to be sick in order to benefit. Some of you may have attended workshops by Panache Desai, internationally known for his insights and his ability to raise the vibrational rate of those with whom he is in contact.

But then, how does a practitioner get to vibrate at a higher rate?

To some extent, this is accomplished with positive thoughts and emotions, as the positive vibrates at a higher frequency than the negative. (This is why anyone who constantly has negative

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thoughts and emotions will eventually become sick).

A higher level of vibration may also result from the practitioner becoming entrained to an outside source vibrating at a higher frequency. This appears to be the mechanism used in reconnective healing. The outside source in this case is the energy in the universe, which has its own intelligence. The practitioner merely receives it and allows it to pass through to the client. There is no diagnosing or directing the energy to any specific outcomes: the intelligence of this energy has a general re-balancing effect.

But it is not just the client or workshop participant who benefits from energy healing: vibrating at a higher level is ‘contagious’ in the sense that vibrations of family members, friends and other people they meet become entrained to their own higher vibrations. As a result, entire communities can end up vibrating at a higher level.

For two other overviews of vibrational healing, I refer you to http://www.mkprojects.com/fa_WhatIsVibrationalHealing.htm and to http://mesacreativearts.com/html/vibrational_healing.html

Gail Kettles is a practitioner of reconnective healing and The Reconnection. She can be reached at [email protected] or 250-898-8483.


It has arrived. Fall announces its arrival to our sense of smell before any other. In mid-August we become aware that something has changed in the air. Growth has ceased and the tides will soon be shifting towards the next season. For many people, this transition to autumn is a favourite time of year. When we can taste the sweet juice of blackberries and hear the evening call of crickets, we know that the real gift of fall will soon arrive. Mother Nature saves her best dress for fall.

Fall is a fabulous season for hiking. Colours change before our eyes, temperatures are more forgiving and insects begin to fade away. We have two or even three months of hiking to enjoy in the Comox Valley before the clocks swing back and the first storms threaten to arrive. Plenty of time to explore the endless trail networks in our backyard!

One article is too short to include all of the fantastic fall hiking opportunities, so I have taken the liberty of including my top three. Wherever your hiking shoes take you, make sure you hike smart: Leave word of your route and take a map, a friend, food, water, a first aid kit, extra layers of clothing and your cell phone. Be safe and have a happy hike!

Golden Maples: Trent River TrailThe awesome views from this trail turn

supernatural once the maples change from green to

Fabulous fall hiking in the Comox Valley

gold. High above the Trent River, this winding trail overlooks a mixed forest of coniferous and deciduous trees that dot the landscape with many shades of green and gold. The trail follows a moderate incline and is a mix of open paths and root-covered single-track. Enjoy the high view of the Trent below, but don’t step off the path too close to the edge!

Trailhead: Royston (south of Courtenay), turn on Briardale at the little Red Market. Next right on Hatton. Park at the dead end and walk over the tracks onto the trail. Stay to the right and you will make your way to the trail which follows the ridge above the river. Out and back for the best views, and easiest navigation back to your car. Approximately 6km return to the end of the trail where it reaches the powerlines.

Arbutus Bluffs: Tomato Creek TrailIf you haven’t been up Tomato Creek hill, be sure

to add this hike to your list this fall. This little gem is found inside a thin strip of nature reserve on the north edge of Comox Lake. There are a maze of trails that lead to lovely swimming holes along the lake as well as a good climb to the sun-drenched rocky bluffs of Tomato Creek Hill. The views of the lake and Comox Glacier can’t be beat from the top. It is the perfect spot for a mid-hike picnic. The trail is approximately 6km return and includes some steep, loose sections as it winds its way to the mini-summit. Take your time and enjoy the two or three lookouts along the way for an enjoyable hike.

Trailhead: Drive to Comox Lake Dam Rec Area via Comox Logging Road. Use caution when travelling on the CLR as there is active logging in the area. The trailhead begins on the lake side of the road, across from the parking area.

Spectacular Scenery: Paradise Meadows and beyondComox Valley residents are a spoiled bunch. With

only 25 minutes of driving, we have the ability to step out of our cars and into the alpine of Strathcona Provincial Park. Most people will never experience the beauty of the alpine, let alone drive-in access. I’m always surprised how many locals have yet to explore the park via Mount Washington Resort. From the Raven Lodge parking lot, the options are endless for day hiking. A new, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk loops through Paradise Meadows and is a great way

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for people of all abilities to view the unique flora and fauna of the alpine. For those who wish to trek on further, Paradise Meadows links to some spectacular alpine lakes including Kwai, Croteau and Circlet at the base of Mount Albert Edward. Ambitious day hikers can travel all the way to the edge of Cruikshank Canyon for a 16km return route that passes by a few of these lovely lakes. The park trails are beautiful any time of year, but they are show-stopping in the fall.

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Wild blueberries, heather and other alpine shrubs light up in gold, orange, purple and bronze once the days get shorter and evenings grow colder. If you can hit the trails on a clear, blue-sky fall day, you will see one of the most spectacular shows of the year up here.

Fall is a fantastic season, filled to the brim with a richness that comes not only from its bold colours but from the bounty of the harvest and warm memories of summer. After the sweet, hot days of summer, fall seems to be nature’s way of easing us into the short, dark days of winter. I, for one, am thankful for the show.

Sarah Seads is the owner of Equilibrium Life-style Management (ELM), a group fitness and personal training company in the Comox Val-ley. Contact ELM for trail maps and information about trail running adventures on Vancouver Is-land. www.elmhealth.com.

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