Ms. Winlove-Smith offers personalized stress management treatments at 170 Locke St. South in Hamilton.  Gentle, safe and effective;  acupuncture stimulates the release of the bodies own pain and stress relief chemicals.

         The treatment plan consists of:

• Topical herbal preparations for muscle tension relief
• Therapeutic music
• Aromatherapy or non-fragrant environment

 Fees: 
$45.00 per half hour session

                    $65.00 includes light facial massage
45 minute treatment

                    $80.00 includes light facial and foot massage 
  60 minute treatment

** Receipts provided for eligible treatments under private insurance programs

Proper assessment is required as not all individuals are suitable for acupuncture, certain medical conditions may contraindicate acupuncture treatment. 

 A certified Herbal Technician and Phytotherapist,
Ms. Winlove-Smith can consult on a variety of herbal and holistic products to promote relaxation and reduction of stress related symptoms.

 

 

The following is a guide of facts relating to stress.  Underlying medical conditions should always be evaluated by a trained health care professional and self diagnosis is not recommended under any circumstances.

STRESS FACT SHEET

By: Nancy Winlove-Smith

 

Signs of Stress: 

Fatigue, insomnia, irritability, aches and pain (especially upper body, neck and shoulder), anxiety, lack of enjoyment of life, mood swings, fear, panic

 

Types of Stress:

• Internal ~ excessive weight, genetic predispositions, metabolic diseases, hormonal, aging process,
• External ~ allergies, work place environment, home environment, financial situation
• Emotional ~ toxic relationships, loss of loved one (death, divorce),  perceived family or friend obligations, disabilities,

 

SUGGESTIONS FOR STRESS REDUCTION

Get adequate sleep ~ your body will be more adaptive to coping with stress

Eat a balanced diet ~ vitamin deficiencies result in impaired stress response

Supplement if your diet is not optimal ~ support your body to support you

Lose weight if required ~ heart disease & diabetes will depress you

Exercise ~ 20 minutes will produce "feel good hormones"

Breathe deeply ~ respiration improves overall health of all body systems

Get adequate sunlight exposure ~ Vitamin D deficiency linked to depression and seasonal affective disorder

Reduce your exposure to allergens ~ reduces immune system stress

Reduce non-essential person and family obligations ~ free time for yourself

Be good to yourself ~ take the time to do something you really enjoy

Reduce exposure to toxic relationships ~ learn to say "I'm not available"

Meditate ~ mind body connection is important for stress reduction

 Stress stimulates the production of the hormone cortisol.  Excessive production of cortisol interferes with the production of our natural endorphins which regulate mood, energy and sleep patterns.  Cortisol has a natural cycle in the body. Cortisol overproduction disrupts the metabolic function of heart rate, kidney function, respiration rate, digestive function, endocrine function and interferes with the sleep cycle.

 METABOLIC DISTURBANCES THAT DO NOT RESPOND TO 

STRESS REDUCTION TECHNIQUES AND REQUIRE MEDICAL EVALUATION AND POSSIBLE SUPPORT OF MEDICATIONS

 

Thyroid disease

Anemia

Diabetes

Bi-Polar Disorder

Liver disease

Kidney disease

Hormonal deficiency

Endocrine fluctuations (puberty, menopause, pregnancy)

Malnutrition

 Herbal alternatives for stress management

 

• Passion Flower ~ Passiflora incarnate ~ A double blind, placebo controlled  trial demonstrated equivalent efficacy with oxazepam for treatment of generalized anxiety disorder.¹
• Valerian ~ Valeriana officinalis ~ A double blind, placebo controlled crossover study on social stress situations resulted in improved subjective sensation to stress.²
• Kava ~ Piper methysticum ~ Double blind studies involving 400 participants suggest kava is an effective treatment for symptoms of anxiety.³
• St. Johns wort ~ Hypericum perforatum ~ More than 2000 individuals have participated in numerous placebo controlled trails.  Studies have concluded St. Johns wort to be as effective as conventional anti-depressants.⁴
• Ginkgo ~ Ginkgo biloba ~ Two studies in patients over 50 years of age manifesting with depression primarily due to cerebral insufficiency  demonstrated significant improved outcome compared to placebo.⁵
• Catnip ~ Nepeta cataria ~ Sleep aid and has similar sedative chemical properties as valerian root. ⁶

 

References

Bratman, Steven MD, Girman, Andrea MD, MPH, Mosbys Handbook of Herbs and Supplements and their Therapeutic Uses,Mosby Inc, St. Louis Missouri 2003

            Fact Sheet By:  Nancy Winlove-Smith March 8, 2005