Holistic Fertility Treatments
I use Whole Person Fertility program , which offers a revolutionary, mind/body/spirit process to help women conceive. I work with women and men to increase their opportunity to get pregnant and carry to term.This work recognizes that fertility difficulties are not necessarily only a medical problem, but are often related to issues in one's personal history and current life. This process helps couples reclaim their reproductive rights and offers tremendous potential for transformation and healing.
My own experience of childbirth—first by cesarean and second naturally—was a priceless experience of personal growth, where I understood the pain process in a new empowering way, radically different from the usual.
My first birth by cesarean which was unnecessary was my initiation to have the mission to devote a large percentage of my practice to pregnant women seeking help with a variety of health concerns.
I have now a much deeper understanding of the intricacies of the birth process, value a woman's ability to nurture her pregnancy and birth her baby; I regard pregnancy and birth as a rite of passage integral to a woman's evolution into mothering and believe that healthy pregnancy and natural birth are processes which have lifelong impact on a woman's self esteem, her health, her ability to nurture, and her personal growth.
Treatments during pregnancy, birth, postpartum
Oriental medicine is ideal for use during pregnancy and chidbirth as it offers a safe, easy to administer, inexpensive treatment for women. Because of the high potential for side effects from modern Western pharmaceuticals, many expectant mothers find it to be an effective alternative. With the avoidance of certain points, we can treat a woman during pregnancy without causing harm to the mother or baby. Because acupuncture can be deeply relaxing, the pregnant woman often falls in to a yogic sleep during a treatment and enjoys a much-needed rest.
Acupuncture can be applied in early and late stages of pregnancy as well as during labor for pain relief. In the late stages of pregnancy acupuncture can promote the maturity of the cervix and birth channel therefore reducing the duration of labor significantly.
Stagnation of a woman’s Qi and blood typically slows the process of labor and can make it more painful. Acupuncture acts to create and move more Qi and blood through the body, thereby clearing stagnation and allowing for an easier and shorter labor.
Other conditions that acupuncture may help during pregnancy include nausea, heartburn, headaches, constipation, hemorrhoids, and backache. Acupuncture is also effective for turning breech presentations, inducing labor, reducing the discomfort of contractions, and helping to expel the placenta.
MODALITIES USED:
. Acupuncture
.
· Birth Doula Services
. Placenta Preparation
. Birth Trauma Healing Treatments
. Relaxation Techniques Practices
. Pregnancy/PostPartum Tui Na Massage
. Postpartum Holistic Weight Loss Program
SOME OF THE CONDITIONS TREATED:
* Breached Position* Childbirth Facilitation
* Insufficient Lactation
* Chloasma (facial skin discoloration during pregnancy)
Diarrhea, Constipation, Hemorrhoids,
Indigestion, Gastric Reflux...
* Musculo-Skeletal:
Muscle, tendon, and ligament pain and
discomfort, pelvic pain, groin spasms, leg cramps, Sciatica...
* Immune System and Other:
Fatigue, Gestational Diabetes,Side Effects
of Western Meds...
* Respiratory:
Colds and Flus, Sore Throat, Bronchitis,
Asthma, Smoking...
* Gynecological/Genito-Urinary:
Menstrual Pain, Hot Flashes, Infertility,
Endometriosis, Mastitis, Vaginal and UTI, Difficult Urination, Incontinence,
Sexual Dysfunction,
Prevention of Miscarriage, Uterine Hemorrhaging...
* Cardiovascular:
High Blood Pressure, Palpitations, Varicose Vein,
Eclampsia and Pre-Eclampsia, Nose Bleeds...
Depression, adjustment to parenthood, confusing
emotions, Fatigue, Insomnia, Anxiety, Irritability,
Stress...
Auricular therapy
Pain medication and epidurals often make a woman drowsy, limit her mobility, slow down labor, lower blood pressure, and depress normal fetal respiration. Acupuncture can be an effective alternative for relieving pain during labor without these side effects. Ear acupuncture, (also known as auricular therapy)is often used, since ear points allows the woman more mobility.
As the woman becomes more calm and relaxed, she is better able to cope with contractions, though she can still feel them.
Some of the most common postpartum difficulties treatable by Chinese medicine include insomnia, fainting or dizziness, abdominal pain, depression, fatigue, constipation, incontinence, or insufficient lactation.
Moxabustion
While acupuncture can only manipulate Qi that is already available in the body, moxibustion, the burning of the dried herb mugwort on or over various acupuncture points of the body adds Qi to the body. This makes the treatment of choice for breech presentation when used during the final month of pregnancy. Since moxibustion does not require needles, We will train midwives, doulas and pregnant women in its application. Benefits of moxibustion include a decrease in the number of breech births and their complications, as well as potential reductions in the cesarean section rate.
MOXIBUSTION for Breech Presentation
The turning of breech babies has long been well known to respond to a treatment called moxibustion. By burning a fragrant herb over one of the acupuncture points, it can relax the muscles in the uterus allowing the baby to turn.The moxibustion is done by taking a moxa stick (a stick of compressed herbs the size of a candle) and lighting the end. This herb then smoulders and the heat radiates into the point. This is done over the point on each side for fifteen minutes each day for 1 week.Take a two-day break. If the baby has not turned yet, continue with the moxa for another seven days. It is even more effective if the patient does the “knee to chest” position in conjunction with acupuncture/moxa treatment.
To do the “knee to chest” position. with head down on the floor. Maintain this position for 15 minutes, twice a day. By positioning the body so that the head is lower, gravity encourages the baby’s head to “float” toward the fundus of the uterus, flex her chin onto her chest and start to turn under. Acupuncture treatments should be performed every other day for up to 2 weeks to assist with the process of turning the baby to the right position.
Moxibustion is a completely safe and very gentle way of attempting to turn babies. The best results are often gained before week 35 as after this stage there is so little room for the baby to move. I have however had babies that have turned at week 38/39.Usually only one treatment is required, where the acupuncturist will do the moxibustion, teach where the points are, and then give a moxa stick to the patient to continue the process at home.
MASSAGE during pregnancy, birth, postpartum
Regular massage promotes stress relief, relaxation and maintenance of optimum health. (Midwives should avoid administering abdominal and sacral massage during the first trimester as they could risk stimulating specific acupuncture points contraindicated in pregnancy).
Hormonal changes contribute to making pregnancy a very emotional time for women. The physical touch of massage can be reassuring and calming, giving a pregnant woman the chance to relax and be nurtured. Massage is particularly effective in the final trimester, especially for the hypertensive woman or one suffering from insomnia.
A number of types of massage are encompassed within Chinese medicine including Tui Na, Shiatsu, Thai, and Jin Shin. Chinese massage can influence the entire body, providing mild stimulation to the skin, organs and tissues. Conditions during pregnancy for which massage may be helpful include nausea, vomiting, hemorrhoids, backache, edema, heartburn, anxiety, insomnia, headaches and tiredness.
Massage aids circulation, excretion and digestion, and reduces pain perception. Massage increases the flow of blood and Qi to the limbs, which is helpful as the fetus grows larger making proper flow more difficult. It also helps to circulate body fluids in the skin, which can help women experiencing edema. Since massage moves the Qi and blood, it keeps the woman’s skin supple and moist allowing it to stretch more easily. Therefore, massaging the perineum from 37 weeks of pregnancy onwards can help avoid the need for an episiotomy.
During labor massage can reduce the discomfort of contractions and backache. A gentle massage over the sacral area can be performed by the midwife or the doula and carried out in between contractions to minimize pain. Massage may also be used to induce prolonged pregnancies, as well as help with the expulsion of the placenta. Postpartum, massage can encourage lactation, relieve engorged breasts and constipation, alleviate depression, and promote general relaxation.
HERBAL MEDICINE for women's health
Chinese herbal medicine is one of the most sophisticated herbal medicine systems in the world. Typically, combinations of six to 20 ingredients are used in formulas correlated to each individual’s pattern of disharmony. The formulas are crafted together to act synergistically, each ingredient designed to accomplish a part of the overall process of restoring balance.
The multi-ingredient formulas may be decocted and drunk as a strong tea, or taken as a tincture or pill several times per day. Chinese herbs can include ingredients from the animal and mineral kingdoms as well as the plant kingdom such as roots, barks, fruits, berries, twigs, stems, leaves and flowers.
There are formulas to treat many of the conditions that might arise during pregnancy, delivery and postpartum. Herbal medicine can be used to keep up a woman’s strength and vitality during labor. Chinese medicine also has several herbal formulas for vaginal washes or suppositories to tighten and strengthen the vagina postpartum. Because labor, the production of breast milk, and recovery take great amounts of Qi, Chinese herbs may be prescribed to boost or supplement the Qi and blood, helping the woman to recover.
DANG GUI (Angelica Sinensis)
(Organ Associations: Spleen, Kidneys, and Liver)
· Extremely safe & non-toxic, safe to use everyday
· Supreme “Women’s Herb” (Queen of Chinese Herbs)
· Supreme Blood Tonic
· Blood vitalizing herb
· Improves blood circulation
· Used by men as a muscle building blood tonic
· Mildly sedative; soothing to nervous disorders & excessive emotionalism
· Regulates female menstrual cycle
· Treats painful menstruation and menstrual disturbances
· Treats infertility, premenstrual syndrome & menopausal, distress
· Gynecological regulator
· Treats common anemia
· Good for after illness or surgery to rebuild red blood cells and increase blood volume
Breast Health
Some Interesting Articles about breast health you may want to read:
Menopause
In Chinese medicine, menopause is often referred to
as the 'second spring' because this is when a woman
enters into her power years. This is a difficult concept
to wrap around a Westerner’s mind, since a woman
outgrows her value as her beauty fades in our media
driven culture. But traditionally, a woman’s value, influence, and power grows as she matures with wisdom; the matriarch once held a high position of respect and reverence, even in our culture.
Menopause signifies the end of a woman's menstrual cycle, the majority of women end their menstruation between the ages of 48 to 52.
A woman may notice that her menstrual cycle changes and become irregular. Breast tenderness, abdominal bloating, mood swings, sweets cravings, and decreased energy can all be part of the peri-menopause experience. As the actual menopause, the cessation of menstruation grows nearer, the symptoms may become more extreme; hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, loss of libido, headaches, insomnia, and moodiness may aggravate the transition.
In Chinese medicine, menopause is considered a normal transition that should pass quickly and smoothly. Modern women experience so much stress throughout their adult lives that our endocrine systems become un-balanced, and menopause becomes yet another source of stress. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help to normalize hormones and lessen the symptoms associated with peri-menopause.
Root Chakra
Hormonal glands: Sexual and adrenal
Organs: Immune system, base of spine, legs, bones and bone marrow, feet, rectum, physical body support
Physical Dysfunctions: Frequent illness, disorders of the bowel, large intestine, bones, teeth, problems with legs, feet , base of spine (chronic lower back pain, sciatica); eating disorders; depression; immune-related disorders; skin problems; lack of energy;
HEALING STRATEGY: Physical activity, lots of touch, massage, reconnect with the body, grounding, Hatha yoga, look at earliest childhood relationship to mother, reclaim your right to be here...;
Sacral Chakra
Hormonal gland: Pancreas
Organs: Sexual organs, large intestine, lower vertebrae, pelvis, the kidneys, appendix, bladder, prostate, hip area, the lymphatic system, all the body fluids;
Physical Dysfunctions: Sexual dysfunctions; ob/gyn. problems; Dysfunctions of reproductive organs, spleen, urinary system; loss of appetite for food, sex, life; chronic lower back pain, sciatica;
HEALING STRATEGY: Movement therapy, emotional release, inner child work, boundary work, assign healthy pleasures, develop sensate intelligence...
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Solar Plexus Chakra
Hormonal glands: The pancreas and the adrenal
Organs: The respiratory system and diaphragm, the digestive system, stomach, liver, gallbladder, kidney, pancreas, adrenal glands, spleen, the small intestine, the lower back, the sympathetic nervous system
Physical Dysfunctions: Arthritis, digestive disorders, ulcers, colon and intestinal problems, anorexia or bulimia, pancreatitis, diabetes, gallstone, allergies, problems with the stomach and liver
HEALING STRATEGY: Risk taking, grounding, emotional contact, deep relaxation, stress control, vigorous exercise, sit-ups, psychotherapy (release or contain anger, build ego strength, work on shame issues, strengthen will...)
Heart Chakra
Hormonal glands: The thymus gland
Organs: Heart and circulatory system, lungs, bronchial tubes, shoulders and arms, diaphragm, thymus gland, the immune system, the skin, the upper back
Physical Dysfunctions: Disorders of the heart, lungs, thymus, breast, arms, asthma, allergy, circulation problems, immune system deficiency, tension between shoulder blades
HEALING STRATEGY: Self-discovery, codependency work, forgiveness, inner child work, work with arms, reaching out, taking in, breathing exercise...
Throat Chakra
Hormonal glands: The thyroid and parathyroid gland
Organs: Throat, thyroid and parathyroid glands, the neck, vocal cords and organs, mouth, teeth and gums, jaw, ears, muscles
Physical Dysfunctions: Raspy throat, chronic soar throat, mouth ulcers, gum difficulties, scoliosis, laryngitis, swollen glands, thyroid problems, headaches, pain in the neck and shoulders, ear infections and problems
HEALING STRATEGY: Learn communication skills, letter writing, inner child communication, practice silence (excessive), story telling, singing, chanting, toning, release voice, loosen neck and shoulders
Third eye Chakra
Hormonal glands: The pituitary and the pineal gland
Organs: The brain, nervous system, eyes, ears, nose, sinuses, face, the pineal and pituitary gland
Physical Dysfunctions: Headaches, eye and ear disease, nose and sinus problems, facial nerve problems, nightmares, brain tumor, stroke, neurological disturbances, seizures, full spinal difficulty, learning disabilities
HEALING STRATEGY: Meditation, visual stimulation, create visual art, coloring and drawing, working with memory, dream work, hypnosis, guided visualization, past life regression therapy...
Crown Chakra
Organs: The muscular and skeletal system, skin, central nervous system
Physical Dysfunctions: Energetic disorders, mystical depression, coma, migraines, brain tumors, amnesia, chronic exhaustion not linked to physical disorder, sensitivity to light, sound and other environmental factors
HEALING STRATEGY: Reestablish physical, emotional, spirit connection, spiritual discipline, meditation, examine belief systems, goal setting
Resources and Recommended Readings:
Anodea Judith, Ph.D. "Eastern Body, Western Mind"
Caroline Myss, Ph.D. "Why people don't heal, and how they can"
Richard Gerber, M.D. - A practical guide to vibrational medicine
Bill Waites "Aura-Reiki";
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