Bronwyn's Blog
Blue Monday
Jan 27, 2017 | Bronwyn Melville, R.TCM.P, FABORM, B.A., Blue Monday has come and gone, yet somehow still exerts its influence; grey sky, short days, unpredictable weather, and the post holiday blahs can be a real drag. If you’re feeling bummed-out with this whole new-years push to self-perfection, here are a few ways to improve your sense of well-being in these short dark days.
A New Kind of New Year’s Resolution
Jan 12, 2017 | Bronwyn Melville, R.TCM.P, FABORM, B.A., If you’re anything like me, even the word “cleanse” can make you run for the hills. The idea of going through the minutiae of my diet with a fine-toothed comb instantly makes me want cake. The new year inspires a certain extremism; sign up for tough-mudder; join a masters swim team; juice fasting; cross-fit; running group... the list goes on, driving a massive economy of physiotherapy as, one by one, all your friends injure themselves in the... Read more
Inflammation and its Role in Disease
Nov 29, 2016 | Bronwyn Melville, R.TCM.P, FABORM, B.A., Often enough, when I ask my patients what their diet is like, they respond with “Not bad. I try to eat healthy”, as if that was the beginning and the end of the conversation, and the intention to eat well can somehow sub in for the actual eating of healthful foods. Alas, the conversation has only just begun, and the key element, in my opinion, is inflammation.
The Forgotten Pillar
Nov 03, 2016 | Bronwyn Melville, R.TCM.P, FABORM, B.A., When supporting my patients through their fertility journey, I tend to prioritize the major health pillars of diet, exercise, treatment and medicines (such as herbs and supplements). However, there is one last oft-neglected area to consider, namely, the use of household and cosmetic products.
Gratitude
Oct 07, 2016 | Bronwyn Melville, R.TCM.P, FABORM, B.A., As we’re approaching what may be my favourite holiday of the year, it seems only fitting to revisit an important topic for heal
Top 5 Most Common Reasons for seeing an Acupuncturist
Sep 27, 2016 | Bronwyn Melville, R.TCM.P, FABORM, B.A., When I read recently that Acetaminophen, most commonly used in over the counter analgesics such as tylenol, is one of the leading causes of liver damage, I wondered if I’d misread the post. It turns out that I did not. The FDA in the US is currently reviewing ways to reduce the risk, such as changing label laws, dosages, and packaging, or removing certain products from the shelf altogether. Considering the inherent risks of even the most... Read more
My Favourite Change-of-Season Rituals
Sep 08, 2016 | Bronwyn Melville, R.TCM.P, FABORM, B.A., I can hardly believe I’m saying this, but I could not be more ready for the early arrival of autumn this year, and it has truly
Menstrual Pain
Aug 19, 2016 | Bronwyn Melville, R.TCM.P, FABORM, B.A., If you’re anything like the vast majority of my patients, then you know first-hand the experience of crouching over on the couch and calculating the number of minutes it takes for the advil to kick-in versus how long before you have to leave for work, class, or - if you’re Fu Yuanhui - your olympic swim meet. And you’re not alone; from the first twinges in early adolescence (alerting you that your previously dormant, pear-sized uterus has come... Read more
Cupping
Aug 09, 2016 | Bronwyn Melville, R.TCM.P, FABORM, B.A., Something surfaced repeatedly in the media this week that seemed odd, and perhaps worth mentioning. However fascinating, a shirtless, photo-bombing Justin Trudeau is certainly nothing we haven’t seen before. What shocked me, however, (and I doubt I’m the only one who noticed) was his conspicuous absence of cupping marks. Perhaps a visit to Acubalance is in order while he’s in town? All that to say, cupping has been in the media in recent days,so... Read more
Ovulation Tracking
Jul 29, 2016 | Bronwyn Melville, R.TCM.P, FABORM, B.A., Ovulation tracking is the most common topic I cover during an initial intake with a new patient. If you’re trying to conceive, the timing of ovulation is of primary importance. Here are a few ways that you can track your cycle and use the signs in your body for information about your ovulation.