Have you been trying to get pregnant?

Have you considered alternative methods to enhance your pregnancy possibilities?

Are you interested in learning different ways to support and help you as you go through this process?

If so, then come to the

Red Tent Fertility Wellness Workshop!

June 18th, 2011

9:45am-3:00pm

Om Factory Yoga Studio

You will learn helpful fertility-enhancing tips, receive a robust gift bag, nutritious snacks, the opportunity to connect with like-minded women, and a chance to win free services! Featured presentations include restorative yoga, acupuncture for reproductive health, self care to maintain balanced living, and comprehensive pre-pregnancy nutrition. This event will nourish your mind, body and soul – in addition to providing you with essential tools to maintain these practices in your daily life.

To register, email: fertileblissnyc@gmail.com

RSVP by June 15th to receive the early bird discount!

]]> http://www.erinhessel.com/2011/06/fertile-bliss-workshop/feed/ 0 http://www.erinhessel.com/2011/05/good-news-now-accepting-insurance/ http://www.erinhessel.com/2011/05/good-news-now-accepting-insurance/#comments Mon, 16 May 2011 16:55:30 +0000 Erin http://www.erinhessel.com/?p=1689

Many insurance companies are beginning to cover for acupuncture treatments more and more these days, and we are proud to be a part of a vast collection of out-of-network providers. Thanks to our new billing partner, Jenn, we are able to verify coverage for patients within 48 hours and bill for services in the event that acupuncture is a covered benefit.

Find Out All the Details after the jump..

What this Means for You

No more super-bills and self-submitting receipts! This step takes out the work that you, the patient, had previously done in an attempt to get reimbursed for treatments. We take the hassle of calling insurance companies, understanding denied claims and resubmitting with accurate billing codes.

How This Affects Payment

In the event that you have acupuncture as a covered benefit on your insurance plan, it is likely that you will be able to continue receiving treatments for the cost of your office co-pay (usually ranging from $15-$30) once your deductible is met. While your herbal consultation is included in the office visit fee, herbal formulas are unlikely to be covered by your insurance.

Information Needed

A copy of your health insurance card, date of birth and updated contact information is all we need to check your coverage. Once verified, we need little else from the patient to submit claims.

Is There A Catch?

No catch! Well…not, really. Insurance companies can be slippery entities to work with, and try their best to find their way out of denying payment wherever they can. In the event that your insurance company fails to compensate for services you’ve rendered, you will be responsible for any remaining fees unpaid. This, of course, can be placed on a payment plan if needed and is upheld only in the event that all other avenues for reimbursement have been exhausted.

Join me as Babybites invites city moms (and dads and even grandparents!) to their annual Mommybites Summit: The Ultimate Moms Night Out, happening May 19 at the Columbia Faculty House. It’s an evening to meet other parents; enjoy wine and snacks; check out a variety of cool kids’ products and services; and hear from notable parenting experts, including keynote speaker and “ScreamFree Parenting” author Hal Runkel, Cool Mom Picks publisher and CEO Kristen Chase, and Emmy-winning producers Mary Ann Zoellner and Alicia Ybarbo. All attendees will be entered to win incredible raffle prizes and will leave with a gift bag.  I’ll be there offering info and raffles for acupuncture services to support busy moms post-partum and for stress relief. Hope to see you there!

To learn more about this fantastic event, click here.

Want to learn about the benefits of acupuncture for labor preparation? Well..I’ll be there too. Please pass along the word!

For more information, or to register, please go to thepregnantnewyorker.com

Spring is in the air! While most of us can excitedly embrace the changing seasons, for many, the winter thaw brings about much strife as pollens and blossoms burst into the air. I can sympathize with them as I suffered from seasonal allergies for many years – to the point where my symptoms became almost year-round allergies rather than “seasonal.” Why do some people have seasonal allergies, while others remain unaffected? Why do allergies worsen or improve when people move to new cities? How can symptoms improve? Chinese medicine has the answer after the jump.

Unique Treatment

Individual constitution can lay the foundation for health, immunity and our unique ability to exist with (or react to) our environment. Imbalances in this delicate system can occur as a result of genetic history, diet, lifestyle, chronic illness, emotional upset or environmental pollutants. Whatever the etiology of imbalance, it is important to find the root of the cause. In Chinese medicine with respect to the treatment of allergies, we often look to the energetic meridians of Spleen, Lung, Liver or Kidneys. Often, a combination of imbalances may exist and more than one meridian will need to be treated, and often utilizing both a dispersing and/or nourishing treatment principle.

Which Are You?

Appropriate diagnosis can be determined through symptom presentation, pulse and tongue evaluation. Below are some general characteristics of potential allergy etiology – which are you? Keep in mind that it would be best to verify any inquiries with an experienced practitioner, and these are meant to be general informative guidelines.

Liver Fire/Liver Wind

• Sudden dry, itchy, red eyes (that may or may not tear-up)
• Feeling irritable, anger or emotional constraint
• Thick, yellow nasal discharge
• Flushed Face
• Headache at the top of the head

Spleen Deficiency

• Copious and Nasal Mucous (may be thick or runny)
• Digestive complaints such as nausea, loose stool or bloating after meals
• Fatigue, low energy
• Foggy-headedness, or dull sinus headache
• Pale complexion

Kidney-Lung Disharmony

• Difficulty taking a deep breath, or asthma associated with allergies
• Cough
• Low Back Weakness
• Feelings of sadness or on-edge, fearful
• Clear nasal discharge, easy to expectorate

What You Can Do

The pivot of health and feeling your best begins with diet, exercise and sleep – almost all schools of medicine will agree on that fact, and TCM is no different. When that is not enough, medication, herbal formulas, acupuncture and other modalities are there to support your body back into balance. To best support your system, the following are general dietary/lifestyle guidelines for different constitutional types.

• Liver Constitution - Avoid greasy, fried foods. Indulge in fresh citrus fruits, vegetables, lean proteins. Yoga, brisk walking, or jogging are good choices, and getting plenty of rest at night.
• Spleen Constitution – Avoid raw, uncooked foods and too much bread. Enjoy yams, soups, stews, lightly steamed vegetables, whole grains and all protein. Brisk or leisurely walking, and sleeping long hours at night with perhaps a short nap during the daytime.
• Lung/Kidney Constitution - Avoid foods that are too drying (dehydrated foods, overly roasted or baked foods). Enjoy hearty meats, lentils, all vegetables and fruits. Gentle yoga and pilates are good choices to strengthen the core. Sleep plenty, especially in the winter and during seasonal transitions.

Individual herbal formulas are also a great way to support your system, along with the Xanthium formula to get you feeling better fast. Seasonal allergies don’t have to be a curse, and they don’t have to be expected! You can feel better, year after year.

Other Possibilities

We can’t exist in bubbles, and Chinese medicine is a great way to supplement your system so you can enjoy the environment you live in without discomfort. Sometimes, structural problems such as a deviated septum exist, which can lead to chronic inflammation of the sinus cavity resulting in improper drainage. The relief that acupuncture and herbs can offer for this may be minimal (although some patients have had enough reduction in inflammation to reduce their symptoms dramatically). In cases of severe structural deformity, it may be wise to utilize a combination of both western and eastern therapies.

Xanthium Sibricum Fruit, Xanthii Fructus or Cang Er Zi, is a potent herb for unblocking the nasal passages in people who suffer from seasonal allergies. Along with its powerful plant partners, Magnolia Flower and Angelica Dahurica Root, this trilogy can un-clog even the most stubborn sinus congestion. Unlike over-the-counter anti-histamines, these herbs drain congestion by moistening and nourishing the sinus passages, and won’t leave sufferers dry and inflamed. While herbal formulas like these can be safely and effectively used to treat uncomfortable symptoms in adults and children alike, Chinese Medicine offers a treatment strategy that can address individual constitution as well – for lasting relief. Find out more about this herbal allergy formula after the jump.

Cang Er Zi

Or, Xanthii Fructus as the Latin’s would call it, is the small fruit that comes from the Cockleburr Plant. It is bitter to the taste, and covered in sharp prickles once dehydrated into herb format. In addition, it can lead to digestive upset if taken in too large of quantities (but this would need to be a LOT of Xanthii Fructus). It ‘s claim to fame is unblocking the nasal passages, but is also good at alleviating itchy skin reactions or sinus headache.

Bai Zhi

Is a form of prepared angelica root, which smells a lot like maple syrup and is soft to the touch. Also a good nose-opener, Bai Zhi really shines in its ability to dry up and expel mucus, leaving sinus passages free and clear. Bai Zhi can also be used to expel pus from sores on the skin.

Xin Yi Hua

Or, Magnolia Flowers, these little puffs of soft buds work very similar to Cang Er Zi. but Xin Yi Hua specifically propels the other herbs to the head. This feature augments the formula’s ability to clear nasal passages, sinus headache and ear congestion.

All Together Now

Chinese Herbal Medicine, unlike Western Herbal Medicine, rarely uses herbs individually in treatment patterns. An example would be three herbs listed above. All are unique to opening the nose, but it is their ability to work together that makes them so potent. The power of Cang Er Zi, the directional movement of Xin Yi Hua and the phlegm-dissolving properties of Bai Zhi make this triad what it is.

When I am treating a patient for seasonal allergies, which I almost always do with herbal medicine in conjunction with some acupuncture treatments, I will most likely add the above herbal combination to a base formula that addresses the patient’s underlying constitutional diagnosis. This way, we can address the root and the branch (symptom). In a pinch, or if the formula is not appropriate for mixing in this group of herbs, there are some great patent remedies that include these guys and others to help allergy sufferers find relief fast and easy…like the one in the photo at the beginning of this post. It is a great addition to any medicine cabinet. Tinctures are also available in pediatric doses for children suffering with seasonal allergies.

]]> http://www.erinhessel.com/2011/03/sinus-allergies-try-xanthium/feed/ 0 http://www.erinhessel.com/2011/02/benefits-of-prenatal-massage/ http://www.erinhessel.com/2011/02/benefits-of-prenatal-massage/#comments Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:58:08 +0000 Erin http://www.erinhessel.com/?p=1561

Two weeks ago, I touched on the benefits of utilizing acupuncture before, during and post labor support. Massage is another wonderful therapy to use during this important time, and can work beautifully together with acupuncture. Two colleagues who specialize in prenatal massage put together this fascinating and well-cited document of the evidential benefits of prenatal, post-partum and infant massage. I share it with you, after the jump.

Benefits of Prenatal, Post-Partum and Infant Massage

by Katinka Locascio and Lena Posner

Decreases rates of complications during labor. Studies have found that women who receive massage while pregnant are less likely to have complications during labor.^[[i]^]

Decreases rates of postnatal complications for the baby. In addition to the benefit of a less complicated labor, studies have found that women who receive massage while they are pregnant have babies who are less likely to experience postnatal complications and perform better on infant assessment tests.^[[ii]^{] [}[iii]^]

Decreases rates of premature birth. Studies also show that women who receive prenatal massage are less likely to give birth prematurely.^[[iv]^{] [}[v]^]

Decreases stress hormone levels in mother. Since expectant mothers are already experiencing a great change in hormone levels, reducing unnecessary stress hormones can help bring the hormonal system into better balance, benefiting the mother as well as the baby. Reduction of maternal stress due to massage may help lead to decreased rates of complications such as low birth weight and premature birth.^[[vi]^{] [}[vii]^]

Increases oxygen and nutrients to the cells of the mother and the baby. During pregnancy, the mother can have up to 40% more blood volume in her body. Massage can help to ease some of this burden on the circulatory system by increasing local and systemic circulation which helps to bring fresh oxygen and nutrients to all of the cells and tissues of the mother and the fetus, allowing for optimal growth and development of the fetus.

Promotes easier breathing. During the later months of pregnancy, the size of the baby can reduce the diaphragm’s ability to contract fully to allow for a deep breath. Massage can help to loosen the muscles of respiration and the surrounding tissue to allow for deeper and easier breathing. Many pregnant clients notice that they can finally take a nice deep breath after receiving a massage.

Reduces swelling (edema) in the hands and feet. Swelling in the hands and feet during pregnancy is another result of the additional blood volume (up to 40% more than normal) that a pregnant woman’s circulatory system must handle. When the blood and lymphatic vessels are not able to move all of the extra fluid efficiently, it leads to a build-up of fluid in the extremities (hands and feet). Massage helps to increase the efficiency of these systems and can actually help to drain excess fluid out of the hands and feet and back to the heart.

Decreases pain in low back, shoulders, neck, and hips due to shift in posture. In order to accommodate the weight of the baby, the center of gravity of the pregnant woman must shift. This leads to a number of postural changes that can put stress on many areas of the body leading to tension, stiffness and pain. Massage can help to reduce tension and pain in these areas and help increase body awareness of the new posture.

Alleviates stress on weight-bearing joints (such as the knees) due to additional weight of the baby. Weight-bearing joints such as the ankles, knees, and hips have additional weight to support that they are not used to dealing with. Massage can help to alleviate the pain and soreness associated with this by increasing local circulation to the joints and decreasing muscle tension surrounding the joints.

Alleviates leg cramps. Massage can help to flush the body’s metabolic wastes that can build-up in the lower legs, reducing the incidence of leg cramps.

Alleviates sciatic pain. The postural shift caused by pregnancy can lead to tension in a particular muscle (Piriformis) that is located on top of the sciatic nerve. When this muscle clamps down on the sciatic nerve it can lead to numbness, tingling, and pain down the back of the leg (this is known as Piriformis Syndrome). Massage can help to release this muscle in order to take pressure off the sciatic nerve and reduce pain.

Decreases insomnia. Massage reduces stress hormones in the body which can decrease insomnia, a common complaint of pregnancy.

Helps prepare the muscles used during childbirth. Childbirth requires both flexibility and body awareness, two things that massage can help to provide. Giving birth requires the ability to contract and use muscles (such as abdominal muscles for pushing) while simultaneously relaxing other muscles (pelvic floor muscles) in order to avoid tearing tissue. The body awareness and education (on perineal self-massage) that comes with massage therapy can help lead to a smoother and less painful birth.

Shorter labor. There are various massage techniques, and acupressure and reflexology points that can speed up a sluggish labor and help support uterine contractions during pushing to make for a quicker labor. Studies have found that women who receive massage during labor have shorter labors.^[[viii]^]

Less painful labor. It has been reported by many women (and a study conducted at the Touch Research Institute corroborates) that receiving massage during labor decreases the pain associated with contractions and childbirth.^[[ix]^] Additionally, massage can help to reduce specific pain (in the back, pelvis, legs, shoulders, neck, etc) that can accompany labor.

Less likely to need pain medication. Massage is so effective at reducing pain associated with labor that a controlled study has found that women who received massage during labor were actually less likely to need pain medication – allowing for a more natural childbirth.^[[x]^]

Fewer complications during labor. While there have been very few studies on the effects of labor support massage, there are many studies that find that having another woman present for support (such as a doula) decreases rates of complications and the need for medical intervention (such as cesarean, forceps delivery, Pitocin use, etc).^[[xi]^] Additionally, studies have found that receiving massage while pregnant decreases rates of complications during labor.^[[xii]^]

Less anxiety during labor. A study at the Touch Research Institute found that women who received massage during labor experienced less anxiety during labor.^[[xiii]^]

Shorter hospital stay following birth. The same controlled study also found that following the birth, the women who received massage during labor had shorter hospital stays than those who did not receive massage.^[[xiv]^]

Better mood following birth. This study also found that women who received massage during labor had a less depressed mood following the birth.^[[xv]^]

Better milk production and easier breastfeeding. Stress hormones have a negative impact on breast milk production.^[[xvi]^] Numerous studies (cited above) have found that massage is effective in reducing the level of stress hormones present in the body, which can lead to better milk production and, in turn, easier breastfeeding.

Helps to realign the pelvis after birth. Massage can help to relax muscles around the pelvic area that can become tense following birth. This can help to allow the pelvis to shift back to its original alignment.

Relieves soreness after birth. Massage can help to flush the body’s metabolic wastes (which can cause muscle soreness) and relax and soothe muscles that have been overworked or strained during childbirth.

Faster recovery from a cesarean. Massage increases systemic and local circulation, which is an important factor in recovery from surgery. This increase in circulation helps to flush toxins that have built up at the surgery site and bring in fresh oxygen and nutrients so that the tissue can heal faster. Studies have also found massage to be effective at reducing pain associated with recovery from surgery.^[[xvii]^]

Relieves stiffness, tension, aches, and pains associated with caring for a newborn. Caring for a newborn puts many new demands on the body. Just holding a baby for extended amounts of time can put immense strain on the arms, shoulders, neck and back. Massage can help to reduce this stiffness and pain by relaxing tense muscles, softening connective tissue, working out trigger points (aka – knots), and bringing much needed blood flow into stagnant areas.

Facilitates weight gain in preterm and normal infants. Numerous studies have found that preterm infants gained up to 47% more weight when they received massage. It is believed that the massage leads to an increase in vagal tone, and in turn increasing food absorption.^[[xviii]^{] [}[xix]^{] [}[xx]^]

Improves sleep-wake patterns in preterm and normal infants. Studies find that preterm and normal infants who receive massage fall asleep faster, sleep more soundly, and have better sleep patterns than infants who do not receive massage.^[[xxi]^{] [}[xxii]^{] [}[xxiii]^]

Decreases fussiness and improves “soothability”. A study at the Touch Research Institute found that infants who were massaged (versus those who were rocked) experienced less fussiness and were easier to soothe.^[[xxiv]^]

Improves sociability and interaction behaviors. A Touch Research Institute study also found that infants who received massage (versus those were rocked) showed better interaction and social behavior.^[[xxv]^]

Lowers stress hormones and increases “happy” hormone levels. One study found that infants who received massage had lower levels of cortisol and norepinephrine (stress hormones) and increased serotonin (“happy” hormone) levels.^[[xxvi]^]

Preterm infants released more quickly from the hospital. A study at the Touch Research Institute found that preterm infants who received massage became more socially responsive and were released an average of 6 days more quickly from the hospital (with average hospital cost savings of $10,000 per infant!)^[[xxvii]^]

[ii] Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Hart, S., Theakston, H., Schanberg, S., Kuhn, C., & Burman, I. (1999). Pregnant women benefit from massage therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, 19, 31-38.

[iii] Field, T., Diego, M., Hernandez-Reif, M., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C. (2004). Massage therapy effects on depressed pregnant women. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology,1-9.

[iv] Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Hart, S., Theakston, H., Schanberg, S., Kuhn, C., & Burman, I. (1999). Pregnant women benefit from massage therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, 19, 31-38.

[v] Field, T., Diego, M., Hernandez-Reif, M., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C. (2004). Massage therapy effects on depressed pregnant women. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology,1-9.

[vi] Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Hart, S., Theakston, H., Schanberg, S., Kuhn, C., & Burman, I. (1999). Pregnant women benefit from massage therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, 19, 31-38.

[vii] Field, T., Diego, M., Hernandez-Reif, M., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C. (2004). Massage therapy effects on depressed pregnant women. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology,1-9.

[viii] Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Taylor, S., & Quintino, 0., & Burman, I. (1997). Labor pain is reduced by massage therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, 18, 286-291.

[ix] Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Taylor, S., & Quintino, 0., & Burman, I. (1997). Labor pain is reduced by massage therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, 18, 286-291.

[x] Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Taylor, S., & Quintino, 0., & Burman, I. (1997). Labor pain is reduced by massage therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, 18, 286-291.

[xi] Klaus, Marshal H., Kennell, John H., & Klaus, Phyllis H. “The Doula Book”. Perseus Publishing”: November 2002. Pp.75-98

[xii] Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Hart, S., Theakston, H., Schanberg, S., Kuhn, C., & Burman, I. (1999). Pregnant women benefit from massage therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, 19, 31-38.

[xiii] Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Taylor, S., & Quintino, 0., & Burman, I. (1997). Labor pain is reduced by massage therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, 18, 286-291.

[xiv] Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Taylor, S., & Quintino, 0., & Burman, I. (1997). Labor pain is reduced by massage therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, 18, 286-291.

[xv] Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Taylor, S., & Quintino, 0., & Burman, I. (1997). Labor pain is reduced by massage therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, 18, 286-291.

[xvi] http://www.healthline.com/blogs/diet_nutrition/2007/07/myth-and-fact-of-increasing-breast-milk.html

[xvii] http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2007-rst/4330.html

[xviii] Field, T., Schanberg, S. M., Scafidi, F., Bauer, C. R., Vega-Lahr, N., Garcia, R., Nystrom, J., & Kuhn, C. M. (1986). Tactile/ kinesthetic stimulation effects on preterm neonates. Pediatrics, 77, 654-658.

[xix] Dieter, J., Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Emory, E and Redzepi, M. (2003). Stable preterm infants gain more weight and spent less time sleeping and more time in the drowsy states following 5 days of massage therapy a. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 28, (6) 403-411.

[xx] Scafidi, F., Field, T., Schanberg, S., Bauer, C, Tucci, K., Roberts, J., Morrow, C., & Kuhn, C.M. (1990). Massage stimulates growth in preterm infants: A replication. Infant Behavior and Development ,13,167-188.

[xxi] Scafidi, F., Field, T., Schanberg, S., Bauer, C., Vega-Lahr, N., & Garcia, R. (1986). Effects of tactile/kinesthetic stimulation on the clinical course and sleep/wake behavior of preterm neonates. Infant Behavior and Development, 9, 91-105.

[xxii] Field, T. & Hernandez-Reif, M. (2001). Sleep problems in infants decreased following massage therapy. Early Child Development and Care, 168, 95-104.

[xxiii] Field, T., Grizzle, N., Scafidi, F., Abrams, S., & Richardson, S., Kuhn, C. and Shanberg, S.(1996). Massage therapy for infants of depressed mothers. Infant Behavior and Development, 19, 109-114.

[xxiv] Field, T., Grizzle, N., Scafidi, F., Abrams, S., & Richardson, S., Kuhn, C. and Shanberg, S.(1996). Massage therapy for infants of depressed mothers. Infant Behavior and Development, 19, 109-114.

[xxv] Field, T., Grizzle, N., Scafidi, F., Abrams, S., & Richardson, S., Kuhn, C. and Shanberg, S.(1996). Massage therapy for infants of depressed mothers. Infant Behavior and Development, 19, 109-114.

[xxvi] Field, T., Grizzle, N., Scafidi, F., Abrams, S., & Richardson, S., Kuhn, C. and Shanberg, S.(1996). Massage therapy for infants of depressed mothers. Infant Behavior and Development, 19, 109-114.

[xxvii] Field, T., Schanberg, S. M., Scafidi, F., Bauer, C. R., Vega-Lahr, N., Garcia, R., Nystrom, J., & Kuhn, C. M. (1986). Tactile/ kinesthetic stimulation effects on preterm neonates. Pediatrics, 77, 654-658.

In Mandarin, “Happy New Year!”     |    Or in Cantonese, “Gung Hei Faat Choi!”

February 3, 2011 was the official start to the fifteen-days of celebration for the Chinese New Year – one of the most important holidays in Chinese tradition. Based on a lunar calendar,  the actual date of Chinese New Year changes every year (unlike the static January 1st date in the Western calendar).  This lunar month we move from the uproaring year of the Tiger to the year of the sophisticated Metal Rabbit. More on what’s in store for 2011 after the jump…

Rabbit Archetype

You are a Rabbit according to the Chinese Zodiac if you were born:

1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999

Rabbit personality types are cautious and sensitive, while well-mannered and gracious with an heir of sophistication. Their attention to detail and organizational skills make them great researchers, politicians, decorators, purveyors of antiques, historians or scholars. They are sentimental and introspective, and do not thrive in competitive environments as they can easily be brought to tears by their extreme sensitivity to their environments. Rabbits make great partners in romance or other areas of life, but they depend on their solitude for survival. This time alone allows for the introspection they need to intuitively ground themselves and find strength.

According to Chinese Medicine

The rabbit sign corresponds to the color green and the element of wood in Chinese medicine, both of which can be attributed to the liver/gallbladder meridians. Liver constitutions take pride in being direct and fair, while gallbladder constitutions are excellent judges in weighing out all sides to a story. The wood element is known for its strength in flexibility, and direct nature to grow forward in life. The wood element corresponds to springtime, of which we are soon approaching…it is bound to be a season for strong intuitive abilities.

The Coming Year

2011 is predicted to be a much calmer year than the previous year of the Tiger – as Rabbit years bring peace and tranquility – a much needed respite from a tumultuous 2010. The Rabbit mends fences, keeps the peace and focuses on inner harmony. Diplomacy reigns this year, with forgiveness for old quarrels at the top of the list for success. Ideal pursuits in a Rabbit year include taking up a hobby, enjoying the arts, learning something new or exploring your creative nature. Financial and work-related successes will come through cooperation this year, not from force as it did with the Tiger. This year is all about taking things slow and steady – persistence will prevail.

Xin Nian Kuai Le!

For your individual horoscope based on your zodiac sign, check out this informative post on Hub Pages:

Chinese 2011 Horoscopes

A recent article in the New York Times likened yoga as an effective mind-body therapeutic option to enhance fertility. While the focus of the article is on the restorative and stress-relieving benefits of yoga, acupuncture and massage are mentioned as important components to enhancing conception and efficacy of fertility treatments. Herbal Medicine is also mentioned, with some hesitancy. Most of this is due to lack of knowledge within the medical community about how herbs work, the source of herbal formulas and FDA standards. As a board certified herbalist who has used herbs in support of fertility with great success, I can say with full confidence that this skepticism is only valid when herbs are being self-prescribed or purchased from a non-certified source. But there will be more on this subject in a future post (if you have immediate concerns about incorporating herbs in your health routine, please contact me directly and I’ll be happy to answer any questions).

I cannot recommend yoga to my patients enough. It is exciting to see such articles being published in reputable and mainstream publications. See the full article here: Yoga for Infertility-NYTimes

Photo Credit: knowabouthealth.com

From being a labor doula and working in the prenatal field for over ten years, I am excited to share this post today about the benefits of acupuncture during this important transition. While acupuncture can be of great relief to many prenatal complaints, probably our hidden gem is in labor-preparation. No longer in hiding, here it is -  if you are pregnant or know someone who is, please pass this important post along to them for a more consistent, safer, natural and less complicated birth experience.

Pregnancy and labor are extremely important times in a woman’s life. They should be handled with respect and care as each experience can be very unique. Appropriate self care, education and support during this time are some ways women can take a pro-active approach. For women who are pregnant for the first time, the unknown of what to expect next can bring up many new emotions. Acupuncture offers a unique way to powerfully alleviate deep-rooted fear and anxiety, while safely opening up the muscles in the pelvic floor.

How It Works

Pre-labor acupuncture treatments work to un-clog the meridians of the pelvic floor so that when labor does happen on its own the body is optimally prepared and ready for it. Labor and delivery is a huge event in life, and much like training for a race, it can be a lot more comfortable physically and emotionally when prepared for.

In this day and age women in their third trimesters are often continuing to work, running around like busy bees, having difficulty sleeping, digestive discomforts, recognizing the reality of becoming a mother and often a societal pressure surrounding potential dangers of childbirth. This is a LOT of un-due stress. This stress inevitably leads to stagnation, and acupuncture offers a gentle yet effective resolve for that.

While there is no quantifiable way to “prove” or ensure that the treatments have in fact reduced energetic stagnation that will result in shorter labor, the immediate effects of treatments include reduced discomfort, more energy, less stress, less anxiety and an overall sense of well-being. My experience has shown a tremendous difference in the labor progression of women who utilized pre-labor acupuncture from those who did not.

Full Labor Prep Care

Ideal candidates for the full labor-prep care are women who:

• Are preparing for the labor/delivery of their 1st Child
• Are preparing for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean)
• Are preparing for the labor/delivery of their 2nd Child, wherein the labor with the first was long and arduous or resulted in several medical interventions

The full labor prep package is an aggressive and unlimited acupuncture treatment protocol that begins week 36 of pregnancy. The protocol was developed based on clinical experience and resource compilation from other experts in the field. Nearly 100% of the women in my practice who have used this protocol expressed that they had shorter and less complicated labors. It is impossible to know with certainty how big of a role the acupuncture actually plays, but it is certainly playing a role. In addition, these women note feeling less stress and anxiety surrounding childbirth, less discomfort and more energy in the last weeks of pregnancy.

Partial Labor Prep

Ideal candidates for the partial labor-prep care:

• Women who are preparing for their 2nd, 3rd or more labor; wherein previous labors were uncomplicated
• Women who are preparing for a scheduled C-Section

Such an aggressive approach as the full labor-prep is not necessary in the above cases. However, partial labor prep starting with weekly treatments at 36weeks can help tremendously in preventing complications and assisting post-partum healing.

Post Partum Care

Many women spend a lot of time and energy on being ready for the ‘big day’ when labor happens, but it is equally important to have appropriate support post-partum for yourself and your new family. At ESEMA, we have the unique option of post-partum home visits which offer rest and rejuvenation  to the new mom for anywhere from 5-10 weeks after delivery. In addition to addressing specific concerns with the treatments, nourishing herbal formulas can be prescribed to help on an even deeper level. With the demands of newborn care, also taking the time to care for oneself during this time can help exhausted new mothers feel better, be stronger for their family, prevent concerns and help pave the way for fertility down the line. This treatment package makes a great gift for new families.

For The Skeptics

Because labor is so changeable, and acupuncture is so individualized, a controlled trial is difficult to execute (but certainly on my radar to try and accomplish). For the skeptics out there, I will say that with pre-labor acupuncture, there is nothing to lose. The treatments will not cause harm to mother or baby. The treatment protocol is about preparation, and does not ensure a  promise or threaten otherwise. I will say, that while these treatments are not yet scientifically provable, they are extremely powerful. While your OB will tell you to wait it out, Chinese medicine offers a therapeutic and tangible way to feel empowered and prepared for the approaching due date.

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