Posted by: admin | on September 22, 2012

7 Myths About Acupuncture

There are a lot of myths with regards to acupuncture. Some of these are true; others are silly while the rest only have a half truth. As you read on, you will learn which ones are worth believing.

The first myth is that acupuncture is painful.

This is not true because those who have tried it claimed they only experienced a tiny prick while others did not feel anything at all. There is no tissue damage when the needle is inserted into the skin or pulled out and only in very rare cases are there traces of bruising.

The second myth is that acupuncture needles are re-usable.

All acupuncture needles in Canada are sterile disposable single use.

Third, acupuncture is only used to treat pain.

This is only a half truth because this holistic technique has been proven to do other things such as help stop addiction and alleviate stress.

Fourth, there are some who think that Asians are the only ones that can practice acupuncture.

This is definitely not true, a cultural background does not limit or increase a person ability of learning the art and science of Acupuncture. This means that anyone who has the desire to learn about this ancient practice can do so and help treat patients.

Fifth, medical doctors do not believe in the potential of alternative medicine.

This is not true because there are more doctors these days that are open to the idea that there are other ways to help patients aside from conventional medicine. In fact, some of them even recommend an acupuncturist if they know that what they have done is not effective.

The sixth myth is that it is better for a medical doctor to perform acupuncture.

This is wrong because the training is much different than that taught in medical school. Students who have an acupuncturist license train for 2,200 hours before they are allowed to practice this profession. So between an acupuncturist and a medical doctor, you should go with someone who has learned about this much longer.

The seventh myth is that acupuncture is only used in third world countries.

This is not true because this technique originated in China more than 2000 years ago and this has spread to developed nations in Asia such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia.

Here at home, acupuncture been practiced for more than 2 decades. Although acupuncture has been around for a very long time, there is still a need for this form of holistic healthcare which is why this is being taught in colleges and in use today. It is painless and cost efficient and a lot of studies have shown that it is effective in treating various illnesses and preventing some of them.

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Posted by: admin | on March 20, 2012

Acupuncture: Crossfit

This Is The Mother Of All Sports

I think I just found my new favorite sport. Watching this video is guaranteed to give you some motivation when it comes to fitness. I just stumbled on to it. This video clip is of the cross fit games. This is where a super elite group of athletes from all over gather to compete in a series of strength and endurance challenges.

Its almost as if you took a triathlon + a worlds strongest man (person) contest and put it all together you would get the cross fit games.

These athletes are absolutely amazing the physical endurance and “Cross” training is mind blowing. The athletes in this sport can perform like nothing I have seen before.

The competitions events are a mixture of exercises, like you will see in this video, pull ups on the rings with dips and clean and presses. Pull ups are tough enough, double the difficulty by being on the rings, triple the difficulty by adding in clean and presses of 130 lbs above your head, in between sets. Not to mention while you are racing the clock.

What I find so impressive is the mental toughness and endurance these athletes display. I hope you are as inspired as I am.

David E Chung

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Posted by: admin | on March 16, 2012

New York Times Acupuncture

Here is an article that was posted in the New York times about acupuncture.

Click here to follow link:

The article mentions that an assistant professor Dr. Napadow, who has a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering and is also a licensed acupuncturist at Harvard Medical School is conducting research on how acupuncture effects the brain.

He also mentioned in the article that most doctors are on side with the use of acupuncture. It is nice to see acupuncture gaining more and more acceptance. After all if we could all work together for the greater good being the health of the patient who knows what we could achieve.

David E Chung

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Posted by: admin | on March 15, 2012

Fitness Trainers Keep You On Track

Fitness Trainers: Keep You On Track For Success

With spring around the corner this is the time people usually start rethinking there level of fitness. Your first thought of this goes back to January 1st, but that fire that once was there has quickly fizzled over the last couple of dark months. But now with the nicer weather the health bug will bit you again. One of the biggest obstacles to staying on track for fitness is losing motivation. People who are just starting an exercise program can find themselves quickly tired of the same routine. Keeping exercise appealing and maintaining a good fitness perspective is key to long-term success.

How much fun is it to watch the exact same episode of a television show every day for the rest of your life? Chances are you would probably rather be banging your head against the wall. You would change the channel, pick up a book, or do anything you could to avoid something you once enjoyed.

Yet, many people starting on a fitness program feel compelled to follow the exact same routine, day after day after day, and consequently fall off the exercise wagon due to sheer boredom. Not to mention the lack of motivation due to poor results. This is why, everyone starting off should use the services of a fitness trainer in order to provide them the different variety of the fitness program in a more livelier style.

Fitness trainers are experts in analyzing and creating a fitness program that is right for you. They are the ones who will help push you beyond your limits, they not only help you create a program but they will also help you get more out of yourself.

But then again, as with other entities included in the fitness world, not all fitness trainers are created equal. They may vary from person to person. Each one may have different education and experience and a certain skill set that may gel with you a little more then others. I think the best way is to ask around friends, family, co-workers etc. Ask what they like about there trainer and maybe even give them a call to ask them some questions to see if you would be suited for each other.

5 ways of finding the trainer that would work best for you.

Hence, it is important to consider some factors that will determine if a certain fitness trainer is right for you. Here is how:

1. Certification

Like any item or product, the quality is sometimes measured and determined through the certification that goes with it. Before you choose your fitness trainer, it is important to verify if the trainer is duly certified by a highly regarded fitness association.

It is also best to choose a trainer that has a CPR certification or first aid qualifications. All of which is standard for most gyms and fitness facilities, the only place this differs is if you are receiving in home training or possibly boot camps.

2. Education/Trainings

Be sure to choose a fitness trainer who had acquired an adequate training and education as far as health and physical fitness is concerned. Even though it is not necessary, trainers who have acquired education connected with health or any other related field will definitely have an edge over the others.

3. Knows how to give the right attention

A good fitness trainer should know how to provide his or her client an undivided attention whenever their session is going on. If your trainer is preoccupied for example by looking at his or her phone or texting during your session let them know that you feel that is un expectable. You want someone that is focused on you. It is a safety issue…

4. Good Personality

Since you will be dealing one on one with your fitness trainer, it is best if you will look for somebody with a pleasing personality, somebody whom you can be comfortable with. It is best to hire the services of somebody whom you can easily get along with. Getting along with the trainer is important but you also want to make sure that they are someone that is going to push you and keep to the program not let you dictate the program and become a push over.

5. Knows how to track development

It is best to choose a fitness trainer that knows how to track his or her client’s progress as far as fitness is concerned. They must be able to be flexible and make changes to a program when they see you need help or are not getting the results in a specific area.

In this way, the trainer will be able to generate new activities and trainings designated for a particular result of the client.

The services of a fitness center and the contributions it can give you while working out on those muscles are dropping the pounds, are, indeed, important one of the keys to making workouts fun, safe and most of all effective is to utilize the services of a professional trainer who knows what he/she is doing.

It is best to choose the best person who can give you the best services that you need so that working out and exercising is not just a temporary thing. Commit to making healthy living and exercise a part of your life.

Have a great workout….if anyone knows of any trainers that they recommend please share the information with me..

David E. Chung

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Posted by: admin | on March 14, 2012

Brampton Acupuncture: Stress

Stress-Busting Tactics For Surviving In The Workplace

Everyone needs a job. Hopefully you have a job that you enjoy. Did you know that excessive work related stress can negatively impact your home and personal life if not properly addressed? We must keep in charge of our emotions. Mis-managed emotions at home or in the workplace can greatly effect our productivity and mental clarity. Here are some tips to help stay in control.

Stress-Busting Tips

These simple stress busting tips can easily be integrated into your workday today.

#1. Begin your work day mentally at home. Remember each day is different. Thinking about the previous days disaster at work can add unneeded stress to your workday. Decide to begin each new work day by blocking out what has happened the day before and looking forward to a new experience with an upbeat attitude.

*#2. Avoid unnecessary office politics,

It is all too easy to get caught up in someone else’s issues at work. If a co-worker comes to you and asks for advice, offer to listen to them but leave it at that. Going to the boss on their behalf can lead to a tarnished relationship for you with management. Not worth it….

#3. Know your job description and what is expected of you.

Many times it is hard to say no when someone asks you to take on extra work. If it is outside of your job description, don’t feel bad if you have to refuse the assignment. While everyone wants to grow at their job, right now may not be the best time for you to try to tackle more – especially if you already have a full load. This can take the pressure off of you to say yes when you know that you are not required to do so.

#4. Add humor to your day, make a point to laugh each day.

Instead of buying into the bad mood or sour attitude of others, stay upbeat. Tell yourself a joke. If you work on a computer, subscribe to a joke-a-day website so that you get daily injections of humor to lighten the mood and alleviate pressure.

#5. Organize your desk, If you are in a hurry, it is nice to be able to place your hand on exactly what you need. Even if a messy desk is the sign of an organized mind, it can still place added pressure on you that is not necessary. If you are naturally disorganized, try using labels to keep up with important documents.

#6. Get exercise, You can take a short walk at lunchtime. Increasing your oxygen levels improves cardiovascular fitness and boosts clarity, immunity and problem-solving skills.

#7. Listen to music, It can calm not only your mind but also your soul. Listen at work and at home to reduce stress levels by the time you see your family.

Even the best jobs can be stressful at times. Keep your stress level to a minimum with these handy easy to use tips. Enjoy your free time.

David E Chung

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Posted by: admin | on March 12, 2012

Healthy Breakfast Under 30 Minutes

Healthy and Easy Breakfast Ideas

Want to eat well and nourish your body without spending hours in the kitchen every morning? These breakfast ideas will help you get all the nutrients your body needs and take less than 30 minutes to prepare.

Soaked Beans and Balsamic Salad

Soak pita beans, black beans or lentil beans in water for 10 minutes, then boil them until soft. The soaking “extracts” the chemicals that causes gas, resulting in a healthy, protein and nutrient-rich dish that doesn’t cause any gas.

Sprinkle the beans with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add a dash of oregano or dill for flavour. To go with the dish, have a nice salad with a bit of balsamic vinegar and olive oil on top. This breakfast is rich in proteins from the beans, rich in vitamins from the greens and also gives you healthy plant fats from the olive oil.

Fruit Salad with Yogurt

Cut up three or four different kinds of fruits. Add a cup of yogurt on top and mix – an extremely simple dish.

The fruits will provide your body with a boost of easy to use sugars to start the day off. It’ll also provide a wide range of nutrients, like potassium or magnesium.

The yogurt contains many healthy bacteria that help digestion.

Fresh Squeeze Orange Juice with Hummus and Pita

Fresh squeezed orange juice is rich in Vitamin C, among other things. It tastes great and will also give your body an energy boost. Orange juice is best squeezed right before consumption. Combine the orange juice with pita bread and hummus. You can pick these up at most grocery or health food stores.

Pita and hummus are very easy to make, as there’s no cooking required. All you need to do is heat it up and breakfast is served. Preparation time? Less than 10 minutes.

Scrambled Eggs with Organic Cheese and Veggies

What breakfast list would be complete without eggs? Cooking scrambled eggs (or an omelet) with veggies inside is one of the healthiest and easiest ways to have a delicious breakfast.

The veggies in the eggs should be veggies that cook quickly, like spinach, mushrooms or onions. Avoid slow-cook veggies like eggplants or broccoli. It also helps to add a dash of spices or herbs to make the eggs more flavorful.

Top off the scramble or omelet with some organic cheese from your local health food store. You now have a protein-rich, whole food breakfast that’s both fast and easy to make. If you want the breakfast to be a bit more filling, add a couple slices of toast on the side.

These are four highly nutritious and easy to make meals. None of them take more than 30 minutes to make and will give your body all the minerals, vitamins and energy it needs to lead a productive day.

Enjoy happy cooking

David E Chung

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Posted by: admin | on March 5, 2012

Do you really want to succeed?

Do you really want to succeed at what you are doing?

How Bad Do You Want It from Greyskale Multimedia LLC on Vimeo.

If you are serious about wanting to make a lasting change in your life and you could use a little motivation and inspiration, hopefully the words spoken in this 6 minute video will connect with you.

Don’t worry this is not a football training instruction video. This is not just for athletes, it’s for anyone who has ever wanted to achieve to the best of their capabilities. The deeper message that is taught here is about focus, dedication, determination want and drive, all of which are crucial components needed to be successful.

The one phrase that really stands out in my mind is “When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe you will be successful”

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Posted by: admin | on February 27, 2012

Brampton: Stretch

Benefits of Stretching

The body is flexible. It is supposed to be flexible. We were designed with the ability to bend and reach that something we dropped on the floor. You must be able to zip the back of your favorite dress on your own. You must be able to reach that book you need to read on the top shelf.

These are simple everyday activities. Nothing grand about them right? Just simple movements a little outside the box we live in. However, if there are difficulties in doing such simple motions, then you have to stretch your limits. Do you have a stretching program?

What is stretching, you might ask?

Stretching is simply the act of extending the body beyond it’s normal capabilities. This activity involves straightening or stretching the structure or the limbs.

How Does One Stretch?

Stretching is fairly easy. As mentioned in the introduction, stretching is involved in normal everyday activities. It’s free, equipment less and can be done by anyone, regardless of age.

When muscles are left unused for years on end they will gradually tighten especially as that person ages. The range of motion in the joints becomes minimized. This will obstruct your quality of movement, strength and life. That is why as a person grows older, bending or flexing becomes more challenging if they have not remained physically active. This is why daily stretching is so important.

Simple stretches can be done everyday. You can even incorporate them in to your busy work life. Don’t worry it wont require much of your time. The key is to stretch often, it doesn’t always have to be for a long period of time. Example 10 times a day for 30 seconds is better then once a day for 2 minutes.

Stretching exercises should always be done prior to exercise. Actually, stretching is an essential part of any physical exercise or sport. It must be done first before anything else. Stretching the body and the limbs is a good preparation for a more rigorous activity.

Think back to a sporting event most if not all the athletes will sit and reach, wherein they position themselves on the floor, extend their legs and reach for the tips of their toes with their hands. Most trainers actually require their athletes to stretch before playing as a way of helping reduce injury.

There is actually an ideal length of time in stretching. It is best to do it for 10 minutes prior to your desired activity. This will give the body enough opportunity to move and flex the muscles, thus preparing it for more complicated and strenuous movements.

Experts however would frown upon going beyond 10 minutes. Stretching the exercise to 30 minutes or more will already wear out the body. This will not be favorable if one is preparing for a game.

What Are the Benefits of Stretching?

1. Increase the Range of Movement

As one performs these stretching exercises, the length of the muscles increase. This helps increasing your bodies range of motion. Thus, leaving the limbs and joints un-restricted and free to move.

2. Increased Ability to Perform Skills

When you have a wide range of motion, everyday living becomes easier. For example, Lifting and carrying groceries out of the trunk of you car. Being able to lower yourself to the ground and get up with minimal strain. This will also help you while starting a new sport or it can improve one you are already in.

3. Injury Prevention

One can prevent injury to joints, tendons and muscles with stretching. When the muscles and tendons are well-flexed, they are considered in good working order. This will help in a faster recovery and decreased soreness. The muscles of the body will be able to take more exhausting and rigorous movements with less probability of being injured.

4. Reduce Muscle Tension

If the muscles are exercised and stretched regularly they are less likely to cause physical pain and discomfort. This will definitely help you alleviate much of the unwanted negative effects that stress has on our bodies.

5. Enhance Energy

Being able to move more will give you more energy. Each and every system of our bodies thrive on movement. Stretching will enhance your total body awareness. Example knowing that you have a body that is capable of doing truly amazing physical feats, give you a sense of confidence and power. Which can be used in every aspect of life.

In closing

Incorporating stretching in to your everyday lifestyle, has benefits you can not say no to. This is truly something that you cannot afford to neglect. After all, your health and fitness is everything so do what it takes to keep the body healthy both physical and mentally.

Yoga is a great place to start stretching and moving your body. More info on stretching CLICK HERE..http://amzn.to/w4bNF2

David E Chung

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Posted by: admin | on February 26, 2012