Clinic Introduction
Ancient Alternatives was founded in Edmonton by Victor Shim, a well-known Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine and TCM Herbalist, and has been in business for more than 40 years. Under the guidance of the master Victor Shim in September 2011, Mars Zhang (Apprentice) founded Ancient Alternatives Okanagan in Peachland. In 2014, he had his first store at 2483 Main Street West Kelowna. After four years of hard work, he finally settled in centre of Kelowna , 1634 Harvey Avenue. Ancient Alternatives Okanagan helps local residents with a variety of acute and chronic health problems in a natural, traditional, and humanistic way. From Enderby to Osoyoos, customers spread the entire Okanagan Valley.
Mars Zhang Profile
Mars Zhang from China. Graduated from Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2002, Department of Acupuncture and Tuina. In 2009, he went to Victor Shim, Grand Master TCM in Canada, to learn acupuncture, massage, acupressures, pules reading and Tai Chi. During the study period, he has used acupressure therapy under the guidance of master Victor several times to cure dozens of patients including cancer, stroke, sequelae of car accident, depression and so on. Since the establishment of Ancient Alternatives Okanagan, whether it is practicing medicine, lectures or training staff; Mars Zhang has always adhered to the natural and balanced concept of Chinese medicine.
How reflexology can relieve PMS symptoms and menstrual cramps
What is PMS?
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a collective term for the physical, mental, and behavioral symptoms tied to a woman's menstrual cycle. PMS is hormone related and can affect menstruating women of any age. Monthly symptoms can be mild for some, but for others, can be so severe that it makes it hard to get through the day.
Some of the most common symptoms (which usually occur in the two-week period between ovulation and menses) include: mood swings, depression, anxiety, irritability, abdominal bloating, cramping, headaches, skin blemishes, breast tenderness, weight gain, insomnia, fluid retention, joint pain, and anger.
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a natural, non-invasive technique using gentle pressure on the reflex areas of the feet, hands & ears to help stimulate the body’s own healing process and to bring about a state of deep relaxation. When the reflexes are stimulated the body’s natural electrical energy works along the nervous system to clear blockages in the corresponding zone. Reflexology relieves stress and tension, improves circulation and helps to balance the physical, mental and emotional aspects of the whole person.
How can Reflexology help?
Studies have shown that by focusing on the reflex points that influence the endocrine system, particularly the glands of the reproductive system (as they are responsible for hormone production and distribution), Reflexology can help alleviate some of the painful and depressing symptoms of PMS. In addition to the endocrine system, the reflexes of the pelvic, uterus, head/brain, spine, chest/breast and lymphatic areas would receive special attention.
Every woman is different and each body reacts to reflexology in its own way. Some women have reported an immediate improvement after just one session while others may need several sessions to find relief.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a type of holistic, natural health care system that dates back at least 2,000 years to the year 200 B.C. TCM is “holistic” and “natural” because it stimulates the body’s own healing mechanisms and takes into account all aspects of a patient’s life, rather than just several obvious signs or symptoms.
TCM practitioners view the body as a complex network of interconnected parts (part of a larger concept known as Qi), rather than separate systems or organs.
imbalances in the body and primarily work in three major ways:
Addressing a patient’s external factors and environment
Helping patients relate to their internal emotions in a healthier way, including managing stress
Improving someone’s lifestyle factors.
The most popularTraditional Chinese Massage include Tui Na Massage, An Mo Massage and Dian Xue Massage.
Tui Na Massage - Tui Na Massage is one of the most popular forms of Chinese Massage in the modern day world. It involves deep and constant massage techniques that are applied all over the body in many repetitions,especially the back. Tui Na Massage is excellent for treating ailments such as chronic pains, musculoskeletal problems, sprains and strains, arthritis, problems of the digestive system, liver and the spleen.
An Mo Massage - An Mo Massage also incorporates many Chinese massage techniques but it differs from Tui Na
Massage in that it focuses on the entire body. An Mo Massage is used to balance, calm and relax the entire body by using yang techniques.Dian Xue Massage - Dian Xue Massage uses acupressure techniques to stimulate the various pressure points across the body. It is used to provide pain relief and to stimulate the working of the various organs.
Four Seasons Cleansing & Five Elements
Five Element theory provides a framework in which to understand, diagnose, and treat all health issues—body, mind, emotions, and spirit.
The Five Elements include the internal organs, and the interconnected and interacting relationships between them often fall out of balance, creating health issues. TCM practitioners seek to re-balance these organ relationships with their treatment plans.
Spring: Wood (木) = Liver (肝) and Gall Bladder (胆)
Summer: Fire (火) = Heart (心) and Small Intestine (小肠) and secondarily, Sānjiaō [三焦, ‘’Triple Burner‘’] and Pericardium [心包])
Late Summer: Earth (土) = Spleen (脾) and Stomach (胃)
Autumn: Metal (金) = Lung (肺)and Large Intestine (大肠)
Winter: Water (水) = Kidney (肾) and Bladder (膀胱)
Acupressure & Traditional Chinese Practitioner in Kelowna, we offer:
* Traditional Chinese Remedies * Chinese Massage Therapy * Foot Massage & Reflexology * Tai Chi Class * Qi Gong Class * Chinese Herbal Ramedy *