Tara, Author at Fascial Connections Myofascial Release & Wellness Centre

Stress causes damage to our brain and while we can feel anxious due to stress; these feelings are slight compared to the damage done to our brain cells. Continued (chronic) stress-induced brain changes often lead to anxiety, depression or worse.

Curcumin is a polyphenol obtained from the turmeric plant that has been shown to reverse harmful brain changes brought on by chronic stress. It can also trigger the creation of new brain cells and their connections. These two actions can prevent or moderate symptoms of depression.

Curcumin has been used for nearly 4,000 years to prevent and treat numerous illnesses. It has been used in India and Asia as a medicine and food for centuries and was introduced to Europe by traders in the 13^th century. New studies show that it can help protect mental health by fighting stress-induced anxiety and depression.

One in 10 Americans and 20% of Canadian adults suffer from depression and the standard practice is prescription medications that are not adequate and loaded with often serious side effects. In addition for many patients the effectiveness of these drugs can fade over time which forces the depressed individuals to learn to live with their mood disorder.

In a 2013 study, on humans, the effectiveness of curcumin was comparable to that of a typical antidepressant medication without any of the side effects connected with commonly used drug therapies and provided other health benefits as well. These findings tie into earlier research showing that curcumin increases levels of “feel good” neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.

Individuals who are suffering from the effects of depression or anxiety should consider taking a high quality, Enhanced-absorption curcumin to help fight the damage of chronic stress. Curcumin can be taken alone or in combination with prescription medications and has been shown to improve the efficacy of the drugs.

Since standard Curcumin supplements are not well absorbed you must look for a brand that is enhanced-absorption and/or contains Piperine (an alkaloid from black pepper). Piperine/Bioperine has been shown to substantially increase the bioavailability of the nutrients in foods and supplements.

A couple brands I recommend are: Life Extension – Super Bio-Curcumin or Advanced Bio-Curcumin with Ginger & Turmerones; available in many Health food and quality Vitamin shops.

MegaFood – Turmeric Strength

Sources: Life Extension, June 2014 & December 2016

* first posted with Nu Healings

Michelle Thibodeau Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Health & Cancer Coach at Fascial Connections Myofascial Release and Wellness Centre. Learn more about Michelle. Call to book an appointment or go online to www.fascialconncections.ca

Myofascial Release (MFR) has become a very popular word. In fact, it is quickly gaining recognition as the missing link in traditional healthcare. The term has been used incorrectly by a lot of manual therapists, who are applying deep tissue massage, forcing the system that does not want to be forced and calling it MFR. For many, this form of therapy does not offer an effective solution to their pain.

Correctly used, it is a safe and effective treatment. A trained therapist using the John F Barnes (JFB) approach will not use lotion or oils to massage the muscles. Therapists, treating each patient as an individual, using sustained pressure, engages the tissue at the area of restriction and sinks in until resistance is met. This is known as the fascial barrier. At this point they hold for 2-8 minutes or for as long as it takes to release. The time factor is important as it allows the fascia to elongate naturally, returning it to its normal resting length. This in turn provides results that are both functional and measurable.

Myofascia, myo – referring to muscle, and fascia the connective tissue surrounding, infusing and protecting every muscle, nerve, blood vessel, organ and bone in the body. It is the largest, most continuous 3D system in our body, literally surrounding us from head to toe. It is dynamic in nature and responds to internal and external forces.

Fascial restrictions do not show up on CT scans, MRI’s or XRays. Consequently, patients suffer from undiagnosed fascial pain. Understanding the fascial system enables us to understand how an injury, trauma or dysfunction can affect our entire structure. Traditional health care treats the symptoms or labels: Myofascial Release treats the total body right down to the cellular level.

Like many other alternative therapies, MFR supports the intimate connection between body and mind. The body has the ability to remember positions in space, emotions and actions without the brain reminding it to do so, this phenomenon is known as tissue memory. This memory can often manifest into the emotion and physical pain you are feeling.

MFR is a total body approach. Considering fascia surrounds us completely, feel deeper than your symptomatic pain next treatment, you might just find the root cause of your symptoms and release them.

To find a trained MFR therapist near you to truly experience Myofascial Release

Tara Hagan-Fields is an RMT with Fascial Connections Myofascial Release & Wellness Centre. Tara is a Women’s Health Specialist and Expert Myofascial Release Therapist. She focuses on the body as a whole and teaches you to do the same. More about Tara here.

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