By Dr Asal Shalviri, Naturopath   

Toxins act as obstacles to optimal health by disrupting hormones, increasing work for the body and preventing optimal cellular metabolism. Detoxification is the process of either clearing toxins from the body or neutralizing or transforming them. Detoxification is a process which occurs naturally in our bodies. Our bodies have the ability to detoxify themselves, through our liver, bowels, kidneys, lymphatic system and skin, but they can't always keep up with the toxin overload and as a result toxins can build up over time.

Detoxification treatments become necessary when the body's natural

detoxification systems become overwhelmed. Detoxing should be done

on regular basis especially in Spring and Fall, in order to improve health

and eliminating chronic symptoms. 

Read the full article.   

I've always been passionate about healing. Even as a child, I could often be found comforting people or animals in distress. Having always been fascinated with the mind and how what we think and feel impacts our physical being, I was naturally drawn to holistic medicine. I explored many options but when I came across acupuncture, I was immediately enamored with the concept of qi and a method of healing that utilizes resources already present (although unorganized) in the body. A system of healing that could provide symptom relief, respond to existing disease and prevent further disease was intriguing.

I encourage my patients to have an active role in their own health and wellbeing. I view my job to not only include healing but also teaching. I try to find ways to explain my process clearly to my patients and I'm always open to answering any questions they may have. The more a patient understands about their particular imbalances the more they are able to take steps towards maintaining balance by making positive changes in their daily lives. My goal as a practitioner is to help my patients discover a state of balance where acupuncture treatment becomes a form of prevention instead of a response to disease.

More often than not, patients try acupuncture as a last resort. That means that many of my patients have been told by other health practitioners that medication is their only option or that a diagnosis is inconclusive due to negative test results. I think that being able to help some of those who have been told "there is nothing else we can do" is the most satisfying part of the job. A close second is witnessing the transformation acupuncture patients make, into a better place of mental-emotional balance.

That acupuncture is only effective for pain. Working in a wellness clinic that emphasizes sports medicine, many of my patients start coming to me for pain-related complaints and are often stunned by the improvements that occur during the course of treatment, not only regarding their pain but also in other body systems, relieving other symptoms such as poor digestion, insomnia, low energy, tension, etc. My hope is that it will eventually be common thought to try acupuncture for many more of our symptoms.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?

I try to immerse myself in activities that bring me happiness, such as walking or playing with my dog and spending time with family and friends. I maintain a healthy diet rich in whole foods (but I'm not afraid to indulge in a tasty treat now and again) and I frequent trusted health practitioners in a variety of fields, including acupuncture, to ensure my body stays in balance. Most importantly, I believe that an active mind is a healthy mind, so I push myself to learn or experience something new every day.

What is your favourite pastime?   

Spending time with friends and family and playing with my pets (I have a golden retriever puppy named Baloo and little chatterbox of a cat named Bagheera)

What is your favourite comfort food?  

My mom's home-made cheese biscuits! I was surprised to discover that they're also really good when made gluten free. 

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