 Sunday, 21st of April 2013 Many studies have been done on the topic of how acupuncture helps to increase the chances of pregnancy. Below are some benefits:
- Regulates the menstrual cycle
- Improves blood circulation to the reproductive organs such as the ovaries and uterus for better response
- Increases blood flow to the uterus resulting in improved endometrial lining. Increases implantation rates
- Increases the production of neurotransmitters which helps maintain a healthy body and brain
- Relieves stress, relaxes the body and mind by stabilizing the nervous system. Reducing stress and anxiety levels helps to relax the muscles and body giving the embryo a better chance for implantation
- Promotes circulation in the pelvic cavity and help with ovarian function
- Stimulates the body’s natural healing ability to rebalance both physical and emotional wellbeing.
- Invigorates sperm for men, enhancing count and motility
- Helps support IUI, IVF treatments
How Acupuncture helps for different stages of your pregnancy:
• Prenatal: relaxation, release stress and tension, balance moods, relieve symptoms associated with pregnancy such as morning sickness, sleep disorders, moods, nausea, headaches, cramps, muscular pains etc.
• Delivery: induce labour for late babies, relieve pain, ease labour pains and decrease labour time
• Postnatal: stimulate the body’s the ability to heal faster after delivery, relieve stress, postnatal depression, muscular aches/pains, rebalance the body after giving birth
Benefits of a nutritional consult during pregnancy:
- food plans available to those preparing for pregnancy and enhancing fertility
- what to eat best for the baby and mother during pregnancy, reduce food cravings, ensure proper nutrients are eaten for proper development of the baby
- postnatal diet plans for those breastfeeding, increase energy levels, strengthen and rebalance the body after giving birth
Monday, 14th of January 2013 Astragalus root or huang qi has been used in Tradition Chinese Medicine (TCM) for many centuries. Its effects are warming, sweet and considered a restorative tonic according to TCM. This potent immune booster stimulates white blood cell activity to help the immune system fight colds. It also is an adaptogen that increases the body’s resistance to deal with stress.
This powerful root can be taken in tincture form, capsule, tea or added to food. Studies have show it to be very safe and have few side effects however as with many herbal supplements, caution must be taken to check with your health care provider before taking this. Pregnant or nursing women should not consume this root as well as those with immune system diseases (multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis etc)
Add this powerful immune booster to help fight off colds!
Monday, 17th of December 2012 Ever wonder why your fingernails seem to grow faster than your toenails? They grow faster simply because the upper extremities are closer to the heart where there is better blood circulation. Proper circulation of the blood is very important to the overall health of yours cells in repair and regeneration. With better circulation the cells receive an ample supply of oxygen and nutrients as well as more efficient removal of waste products. This can prevent varicose veins, promote better healing, promote healthier muscles/tissues and regulate body temperature throughout the extremities.
Symptoms of Poor Circulation of the Legs:
- coldness of the feet
- colour changes in the skin- pale, blue, red
- cramping of legs and calves especially when walking long distances
- tingling and numbness in the feet or toes
- slower healing
Types of Treatment:
Acupuncture and Acupressure- Acupuncture and acupressure can help to increase blood flow. It promotes healthy blood circulation by stimulating specific points on the body. In Chinese Medicine when there is poor circulation, there is also a stagnation of blood, qi and energy which means these substances are not flowing as efficiently. By applying finger/hand pressure or needles to specific points it boosts blood flow.
Compression stockings- By wearing stockings it can provide support to the veins to promote more efficient pumping of blood back to the heart. This can help to decease edema in the legs as well.
Elevate the legs- This is recommended to people with poor leg circulation to lie with their feet elevated above the heart for 20-30 minutes each day which help fluids circulate back to the heart.
Physical exercise- Walking, running, biking are just some of the many exercises you can do to help encourage blood circulation. This helps to reduce water retention/edema, decrease tingling sensations and relieve cold feet.
Soaking the legs- This is great for those with cold feet. By soaking the legs and feet in warm water, the blood vessels relax which promote better blood circulation.
Thursday, 23rd of August 2012 In Traditional Chinese Medicine, goji berries have been used for medicine for thousands of years to treat a variety of health conditions. Ailments that can benefit from goji berries include eye health, diabetes, poor circulation, immune function etc. These are high in antioxidants that are key elements in preventing cell damage by free radicals. Its ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) according to US Department of Agriculture is around 10 times higher than that of blueberries, which makes this a superfood we all should incorporate into our diets.
Usually found dried, these red berries are a great addition your trail mix, oatmeal, cereal or salads. They are soft and chewy with a flavour profile between a raisin, cranberry and cherry. You can find goji berries at most natural health food stores in dried form but it is sold as a juice as well as freeze dried goji berry powder. Many products have been incorporating this berry in their cereals, teas and granola bars but check the labels before you purchase for the high sugar content in the prepackaged items.
Sunday, 29th of April 2012 What we eat greatly affects our body pH levels and when we are within our ideal pH level, we feel healthier. The pH level of blood is about 7.4 (range 7.35-7.45) and the closer you are to the ideal range, the healthier you’ll be with better digestive, cardiovascular and mental functioning. pH is the measurement of acidity/alkalinity of a solution on a scale of 0-14. The lower the pH, the more acidic the solution and the higher the pH, the more alkaline the solution. Your body’s ‘inner’ environment needs to be slightly alkaline and the ‘outer’ a little acidic. The outer environment refers to the outer skin and digestive tract. A healthy intestinal and bowel flora needs a slightly acidic nature to thrive. However when the pH level inside the human body is too acidic (blood, tissues, organs etc) it becomes an environment for the growth of bacteria, viruses and illness. Oxygen molecules are destroyed and tissues corrode when the pH is too acidic and this creates a breeding ground for diseases.
Health issues such as low energy, inflammation, unwanted weight gain and poor digestion can be the result of the body being too acidic. If the body’s pH is more acidic long term, it may lead to heart disease and cancer. Many medical studies have found that an imbalanced pH in the body can be correlated to almost all health conditions.
What can you do?
Eat an alkaline diet: It is important what kinds of foods you eat and the amount of water you drink. Some foods which are acid forming include: processed foods, most meats, dairy products, alcohol, coffee etc. Try to avoid these acidic foods and instead consume more alkaline foods to help balance the pH. Alkaline foods include vegetables, nuts and seeds, green drinks etc. Ideally is it best to eat about 75% alkaline foods and 25% acidic forming foods.
Food combining: Proper food combining reduces putrefaction and thus helps to maintain a more alkaline environment.
Control emotions: Stay positive. Negative emotions create a more acidic environment in the body. Practice deep breathing, meditation, yoga or anything that calms your mind to help you remain positive.
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