FERTILE WISDOM

5 Ways to Help you Get Pregnant

Although acupuncture can assist in blood and energy flow to the endocrine system and ovaries, there are several simple holistic ways to work with your body on a daily basis to help you get pregnant:

1.    CHANGE YOUR FOCUS:   Although you’re actively working on getting pregnant, shift your focus to balancing your whole body because you are not just your ovaries.

• Why it’s important to fertility.  If you have other systems in your body that are not harmonious (causing disruptions in digestion, sleep, menstrual cycle, pains) chances are that imbalance can offset the health of other systems including reproduction and hormones.   Shifting the focus from getting pregnant to getting healthy can take the pressure off and pregnancy can more easily be the by-product of a healthier body.  Also, when you’re focusing on overall health, you can see measurable change for the better in your sleep, pms, migraines, digestion, etc.  When you are feeling healthier overall, it affects your hormone balance for the better.
• What can you do today?  Catch yourself obsessing about your temperature, cycle, thinking or worrying a lot about how to get pregnant, and shift your thought by writing down or saying to yourself, “My priority is my health and getting healthier.”

2.    CHANGE YOUR FOOD:

• Why it’s Important to fertility: This is a powerful way to affect your body’s health and thus fertility multiple times a day. 
• What can you do today? Incorporating whole grains, veggies, legumes, and healthy oils like olive and sesame oils will assist the body’s balance.  Things to avoid or restrict include: processed foods, alcohol, caffeine and refined sugars.  Many women also find avoiding dairy to be helpful.  Foods high in Essential Fatty Acids are great because they aid in the production and regulation of hormones.  Good sources of Omega 3’s include avocados, flax seeds and oils, walnuts, hemp oil, and fish oils. If in doubt, see a nutritionist for advice.  Herbal teas can also be very helpful to the fertility process, but they need to be tailored to your body’s constitution and prescribed by a board certified practitioner.

3.    LEARN TO MANAGE STRESS: stress manifests in the body in many ways.   Stress can cause insomnia, digestive upset, gynecological symptoms, headaches and anxiety, among other symptoms.

• Why it’s important to fertility:  The imbalances that manifest as symptoms from stress can also affect the reproductive organs because all the systems in your body are connected, therefore, hormone levels can be altered under times of stress.
• What can you do today?  Meditate Daily.  There are plenty of great books, cds, and classes being taught in meditation.  A good time is right before bedtime anywhere between 15-60 minutes.  Also, get regular bodywork (acupuncture, massage, chiro, energy work, etc), laugh with friends, go dancing. 

4.  EXERCISE REGULARLY: Exercise is an excellent way to maintain the smooth flow of “qi” or energy in the   body.  Finding the right type of exercise for you that can be done with regularity is key.   It is also a major way to reduce stress.  Research has shown that regular exercise helps to maintain healthy sleep patterns and in doing so, encourages relaxation and good health.  The only reason why I would tell anyone to cut down on exercise, is if a woman has extremely low body fat.  If she has low body fat, she has an insufficiency of estrogen, a hormone needed to get pregnant.

• Why it’s important to fertility:  Regular exercise can help to increase fertility levels.  It reduces body fat and about 30% of estrogen comes from fat cells.  Too much fat and estrogen in your body (as with too little) can alter your hormone balance and therefore lower your chances of conceiving. 
• What can you do today?   Exercise at least 3x week or more.   Find what works for you: Running, walking, swimming, pilates, strength training, kick boxing, weight lifting, and flexibility training.  Hiring a personal trainer, buying a home workout dvd, or taking a run or walk by the lake all work.

5.    LIVE YOUR LIFE: Some people stop enjoying their lives or put things on hold waiting for the day they get pregnant.  They wake up daily with only that on their minds and it’s hard to move forward until it happens. 

• Why it’s important to fertility:  Couples can lose years of their lives waiting in limbo.  It can also rob you of your happiness, which is a key component of well-being.  Without a sense of well-being in your day to day life, it makes the whole conception process tougher emotionally and increases stress levels. 
• What can you do today?  Go ahead and plan that vacation, or go back to school, or take a job or make that change you’ve wanted to make and move forward in your lives because your life has meaning and purpose already.  Putting your life on hold "just in case" you are pregnant stops the flow of energy or “Qi” in your life.  The key to a healthy and fertile body is maintaining this flow of forward movement, so go ahead and live your life.

A combination of changing your focus, changing your food, managing stress, regular exercise, and living your life can affect your fertility for the better.  When your whole system is working more harmoniously, you are sleeping better, you are digesting well, you are less anxious, you have more energy, and you have more moments of enjoyment in life.  If that combination over time doesn’t help you conceive, it at least builds a strong foundation of good health if you choose to move into ART, or move forward in life in any way you choose.  You have nothing to lose by improving your overall health and happiness.

Holistic Cold Prevention for Toddlers

My friends and clients who have young kids have been asking me what i do for my four year old daughter during cold season, and I've passed this info on to a lot of moms.  When it comes down to it, after you take your child to the pediatrician for the first cold your child gets, you realize that there's very little you can do from an allopathic perspective until your child gets better. And if your child doesn't get better a round of antibiotics is usually the answer. 

 

So as a mom who doesn't have forever to watch her little girl move out of a miserable cold, and am saving the use of antibiotics for life and death situations, I'm pretty active in daily prevention.  I think my daughter has bypassed a

LOT

of the things that were going around in school last year due to tuning in and administering what she needed.  If she didn't bypass it, she recovered very quickly.  What's cool about this is that there are no side effects and it really works. 

 

Here's the basic list of things I do for my my gal holistically for prevention and maintenance during cold season.  It doesn't always keep her from catching the cooties, but it strengthens her immune system naturally, so that she gets over it a lot FASTER, or it's much MILDER.   

 

CHINESE HERBS:  I put drops of these herbal tinctures into soy milk to cover the herby taste (if you want these go to your acupuncturist, or you can order it directly from the Kan website set up prescribed by your acupuncturist.  I use one to three of these tinctures together and play around with the dosages (1 drop to 10 drops).  Remember that consistency is the key for acute attacks during the first three days.

1.         WINDBREAKER- for COLDS AND PREVENION during cold season.  PREVENTATIVE:  When everything is going well and nothing is going around at school, I administer anywhere from 1 to 2 drops of Windbreaker a day.    WHEN SOMETHING IS GOING AROUND: 3-4 drops a day.  WHEN SHE HAS A COLD: I up the dosage to 5-10 drops 1-3 times a day:

2.         CHEST RELIEF - for COLD THAT MOVE INTO THE CHEST WITH COUGH.  1-10 drops a day only if there is a phlegmy cough in a cold.

3.         YIN QIAO JR - for SORE THROAT with Cold - put one whole dropperful straight into her mouth 2-3 times a day at initial onset!  She’ll take  it because it’s sweet.

4.         XIAO CHAI HU TANG for EAR PAINS OR INFECTIONS - I haven't had to use this with my daughter but I keep it on hand.  This is also good for colds that linger and reach deeper levels. (1-5 drops).

5.         BI YAN PIAN - for RUNNY NOSE from colds (1-5 drops)

6.       Fritallaria and Pinellia Cough Syrup – 1-2 spoonfuls for coughs.

HOMEOPATHY FROM WHOLE FOODS:

1.       Hyland's pediatric Kit - has many bottles in it as well as an instruction booklet for fevers, coughs, pains, etc.  You can't go wrong. 

2.       Alpha C/F –  1 pill a day for preventative.  1 pill every hour for acute attacks of cold or respiratory flu.

3.       Homeopathic Cough Syrups – 1-2 spoonfuls during coughs

 

Beyond herbal therapy and prevention, the two most important things to keep in mind are a child's sleep schedule and the food they eat.  Sleeping sufficiently and eating consciously will be the two strongest tools you have for strengthened immune systems.  I keep my gal off dairy year round for so many reasons that I'm not going to list here.  But if you're interested in why, check out the book:  Disease Proof Your Child by Dr. Joel Fuhrman, MD.  Stress is another thing to watch out for, because prolonged emotional stress can also weaken a little one’s immune system.

 

This blog is about prevention and amelioration of colds.  If you don’t see a difference for the better within a few days, then check your own mommy instincts and get it checked out by your pediatrician.

 

 

The Myth of The Dangers of Taking Chinese Herbs

I saw a new client today who has tried so many pharmaceutical medicines to help her various complaints ranging from sinus congestion to fibromyalgia pain, but all to no avail.  Based on her overall constitution, her seemingly mish mosh of symptoms made sense in Oriental Medicine pattern diagnosis.  I suggested herbs because she fit several patterns and based on my experience i know she would start seeing results with her body better than with just acupuncture alone.  She was hesitant because her MDs put the fear of God into her about herbs.  This is unfortunate because she's not going to try something that can potentially help her tremendously in her body''s balance.

People fear what they don't know.  So i understand when MDs steer away from OKing herbs because they are not educated in it for the most part, and you can't recommend something that you know nothing about.  I also understand that people (who are not properly trained) have misused herbs for the wrong reasons, as with ephedra for weight loss when it is a brilliant herb for short term asthma use.

The media also likes to blow out of proportion the stories of "herbs gone wrong" that occur mostly out of untrained usage of these herbs.  They never report when these herbs work amazingly without side effects, which happens more often than not. 

People are more willing to try a pharmaceutical that has the funding for "scientific studies" that prove one thing or another.  When you talk to scientists, they will tell you that you can pretty much create studies to prove one thing or another.  Studies can be severely flawed and some can be stellar. 

The fact is, we don't know the long term effects of taking pharmaceuticals.  Look at the pain meds and fen fen that they had to pull off the shelves after it started killing people.  And if it's not killing people, we don't know the effects of chronic use of meds even though their initial symptom has disappeared. 

Chinese herbs have been used for over 5000 years...tested on people! What has survived in the materia medica today is a result of successful results on people over thousands of years.  Things don't survive if they don't work. 

Bottom line is, there is no harm in taking these natural substances when it is administered by a trained Oriental Medicine practitioner.  Especially if these practitioners are mindful of the sources of their herbs as well.  There are many quality herb companies that test their products for heavy metals and toxins.  However, not all do.  So it's wise to ask your acupuncturist. 

If you're willng to put steroids in your body to help your sinuses and horse urine for hormonal disorders, how harmful can roots and twigs (from tested sources and trained professionals) be?  Think about it.

Erectile Dysfunction and Acupuncture by Brian Keenan

      The subject of erectile dysfunction (ED) is often unmentionable for many men because it is perceived as embarrassing and the discussion can be a challenge to the male self esteem. Additionally, the inability to perform sexually is frustrating and can lead to resentment and complications in a relationship.

      There are several types of ED, these include the inability to obtain or sustain an erection, a painful sustained erection, or premature ejaculation.  The causes can be physiological, psychological or both. Physiological causes can be a nervous system malfunction or blood vessels that are not relaxed enough for proper blood flow. Drugs for hypertension, depression (MAO inhibitors), or diabetes may contribute as well. Psychological causes affecting arousal can be related to stress, depression, and anxiety.     

      Traditional Chinese medicine can be an effective treatment for ED. Using acupuncture and Chinese herbs, the condition can be treated holistically, addressing the physical, mental and environmental aspects. Treatments focus on restoring the imbalance of energy in areas of the body that may be blocked or weakened. As with most conditions treated with Chinese medicine, each individual has their own unique set of symptoms and therefore will be treated accordingly.

      There may be a concern for some men to consider acupuncture because of needles in the local area. While there may be one or two (non-painful) local points used in the treatment, the majority of the points would be in the extremities of the body or the lower back. Keep in mind that most acupuncture needles are the width of a human hair and do not create the sensation one gets from an injection or blood draw.

       Talking about and taking action to treat ED can help facilitate a happier and healthier sexual relationship for you and your partner. Leaving it an unmentionable topic or relying on blue pills may only leave you with the blues in the long run.

Loving Your Heart by Mary Sabo

Heart disease is the #1 killer of both women and men in the U.S.as well as the leading cause of disability. The most common cause of heart disease is coronary artery disease, a narrowing of the blood vessels that supply the heart with blood.  Over time, coronary artery disease can lead to a heart attack.  It is essential to recognize that this leading cause of death is PREVENTABLE!  As with any disease, in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), heart disease is simply the result of the body being out of balance, usually for quite a while.  Western medicine is now recognizing that this condition is a result of long term inflammation and accumulation in the blood vessels.  In other words, while a heart attack can happen overnight, heart disease happens over years in a body that is out of balance.  While Western medicine's technology and drugs can often mend and support a body already with heart disease, there is very little done to intercept or reverse it other than lifestyle recommendations.  Through techniques used in TCM (acupuncture, herbs, massage, nutrition, etc.), the body can be rebalanced and encouraged to heal at any point of the heart disease process.  In addition, the mind/body support provided by TCM often allows lifestyle changes to be easier to incorporate and follow long-term.  In celebration of this month of love and hearts, try and incorporate some of the foods that support the heart into your diet:

Green vegetables - broccoli, asparagus, spinach

Orange fruits and veggies - carrots, oranges, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, papaya

Red fruits and veggies - tomatoes, red bell peppers, red grapes, beets, pomegranate

Beans - black beans and kidney beans

Berries - hawthorn berries, blueberries, cherries, longan berries (a type of lychee)

Fish - salmon, tuna and sardines

Whole grains - oatmeal, brown rice

Dark chocolate and red wine (in moderation)

Soy - tofu, soy milk

Nuts and seeds - walnuts, almonds, flax seeds (ground), pumpkin seeds

Tea - green and black

In TCM, the heart not only regulates blood circulation, but also contributes to the control of consciousness, sleep, spirit, and memory, making it an even more important organ to pamper.  Finally, joy is the emotion of the heart system, so make sure to include plenty of activities in your day that bring you joy and laughter!

Tips on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) by Mary Sabo

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a seasonal depression that affects over 10% of individuals in the Northern U.S.

  Symptoms are similar to clinical depression (such as changes in appetite and sleep habits, a feeling of being down, decreased energy, weight gain or loss, and lack of interest in social activities), but only occur during the winter months.  In the Western medical system SAD may occur due to a shift in serotonin and melatonin levels from decreased sun exposure in the winter.  In Chinese medicine, however, this seasonal depression is often due to a stagnation and depletion of the energy.  It is natural in the Chinese system to feel more introspective and quiet in the cold months.  Winter is the time of the Kidney system, the deepest source of energy in the body.  It is natural during these months to want to conserve energy and replenish our stores for use in the upcoming warm months.  However, when these symptoms become severe or affect ones ability to go through daily activities, treatment should be sought. 

Try the following to alleviate symptoms of SAD:

·         Exercise - recommended in both Eastern and Western medical systems to keep the energy high and flowing properly.

·         Sunlight - when the sun is out, bundle up and go for a brisk walk or sit out and absorb the sunlight; open the blinds and allow as much natural light as possible into your home and workplace.

·         An artificial light source ("sun lamps") - exposure should be around 30-60 minutes daily.

·         Vitamin D supplementation - a vitamin we make naturally when exposed to the sun.

·         Socialize - staying connected and feeling part of a community can alleviate symptoms of depression.  Socialize with friends and family you enjoy being around.

·         Plan a trip - if possible, take a trip to a warm sunny location during the winter.

Chinese medicine can effectively treat SAD using herbs, acupuncture, and specific dietary and exercise recommendations based on your unique experience and body constitution.  If the above suggestions are not helpful in alleviating your symptoms, contact your acupuncturist to begin a healing program that will work for you. 

PMS is Not as "Normal" as you Think

 

It always amazes me when I see a new female client and I ask about her cycle and if she has raging pms symptoms, she will invariably reply "I have the normal pms symptoms". Then I think, what's "normal" about extreme and crazy mood swings, irritability, breast tenderness, cramps and bloating? PMS is commonly accepted in the west as a normal part of a woman's monthly cycle. But to a Traditional Chinese practitioner, it is something that should be and can be harmonized. With acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy, we can see results between 1-3 cycles. Everyone varies, of course. But if your raging emotions get less intense to non-existent each month, and you simply get a period without all the hoopla, imagine how much better life could be. 

Who has Time for Allergies?

Allergy and hay fever season is here and who has time for it? Luckily there are things you can do to eliminate the discomfort associated with allergies and make life more enjoyable.

You know the symptoms; a runny nose, itchy eyes, excessive sneezing. "These allergic reactions are the immune system's hyper responses to pollens, molds, and other environmental irritants, which interestingly, is actually the first step in healing," says Dr. Rick Brown, a chiropractic physician at Source Healing. "By producing histamines that fight the allergens at the root, your immune system releases cellular fluids, in the form of mucus, tears, etc."

Nevertheless, there are natural approaches you can take to lessen your body's reaction. Acupuncture can help modulate your body's hyper response to these infiltrating allergens. Dietary modifications like eliminating dairy from the diet can make a difference in the amount of mucus that is produced. Dr. Rick Brown recommends natural anti- inflammatories, found in omega 3 oils and raw organic sesame oil to reduce the swelling. Also using a nettie pot, a special pot designed to clear out your nasal passages, when used regularly, can aid in irrigating your sinus cavity.

So if you or someone you know is having a bad allergy attack this season, know that you don't have to buy over the counter medicine that suppresses what your body is naturally trying to fight. Acupuncture, chiropractic, dietary therapy along with other alternative remedies, can do a lot for the immune system.

Letting go to Change

Yet one of the most feared things in our life is change. But change happens anyways, whether it’s a move into a new home, change in jobs, breakups, new relationships, etc. During times of great change, if we are unaware, our bodies can take a hit because we physically resist with our own anxieties and fears. Back pain, neck and shoulder tension, insomnia heighten during these transitions.

This is where bodywork comes in. I treat many of my long-time clients during times of great change or transitions in their lives. They usually come in because of body pain that needs work. Ultimately, bodywork helps one let go to the unknown that change brings in because the body is flowing and less resistant.

Here’s an idea: get a tune-up being conscious of the fact that you are in an accelerated space of change in your life. It will make the transition much smoother as you let go of holding, tightness and control in your body. Letting go to these changes is what evolution is about. It's where you're intended to go. Learning from the transition brings on the wisdom.

How to Let Go while trying to Conceive

In a world where “let it go” has been overused, there is nothing more annoying than hearing it when you’re in the hot pursuit of conception. But there is wisdom to the term. What does it mean to Let Go? It means to live your life and make decisions based on the fact that you actually trust your body can heal and do what it’s biologically set up to do, no matter what you’ve been through. Above all, it means that in the greater scheme of things, you TRUST that there is a bigger picture for you that you may not be able to see. So how do you let go to? Well, you can make the focus about getting your body back in balance as opposed to just pregnancy. When your body is in balance, your life is in balance. When you make balance the focus, it’s an act of love towards your body, and what doesn’t respond well to that? Make it easier on yourself and let children be a by- product of you being harmonized with your body and the world around you.