Lian Qiao / Forsythia Fructus

Forsythia is recognized for its ability to clear toxic heat from the body – be it a sore throat accompanied by fever and chills or chronic skin eruptions, acne, or dermatitis. These hot, swollen and inflamed pathogens are precisely what Lian Qiao can quell.

In Chinese medicine, we refer to such afflictions as “contraction of wind-heat” which literally translates to a quick manifestation of something red, hot, painful, swollen or all of the above. The nature of heat-diseases in this case are ones that show up quickly and severe. Possible manifestations could include common cold, strep throat or something more severe like meningitis. Lian Qiao can also be used when long-term heat disorders build up in the body and lead to chronic, more toxic inflammation. Possible manifestations of this include cystic acne, boils, or chronic sore throat.

Contagion had it correct, as the precise nature of the virus in the film caused sore throat, difficulty swallowing, headache, fever and chills. Forsythia could have been the perfect cure – but maybe not alone…

Friends of Forsythia

In Chinese Herbal Medicine, herbs are most commonly utilized in formula combinations. Friends often paired with Forsythia include Lonicera, Arctii Fructus and Fresh Mint – all of which amplify the action of cooling heat toxicity and venting it from the body. Translate this to Western Medicine, and you could call this team anti-viral. While formulas are often created for the presenting individual, a quick and common patent remedy called Yin Qiao San can be used to address the symptoms described earlier and is a good one to have at home in the medicine cabinet:

Yin Qiao San

For Fever, with or without chills, Sore Throat, Headache, and Thirst.

Ingredients: Lian Qiao (Forsythia), Jin Yin Hua (Lonicera), Jie Geng (Platycodi), Niu Bang Zi (Arctii Fructus), Bo He (Menthae Herba), Dan Dou Chi (Sojae Semen), Jing Jie (Schizonepetae), Dan Zhu Ye (Lophatheri), Lu Gen (Phragmitis), Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae)

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.

Prenatal Nutrition: What Is Right?

Healthy diets vary as greatly as the individuals who employ them. From Vegans to Carnivores, the food we eat is a reflection of who we are, what we believe, and the health of our system. Celebrity news of late has all eyes on Nathalie Portman, who has recently “come out” saying that she decided to include eggs and dairy into her prenatal diet after being an avid vegan since 2009. While there is heated debate about the moral impact of her decision happening on various message boards, the actress claims that it was simply “listening to her body” that made her decide to include dairy and eggs. What is the healthiest option? More after the jump.

As a health practitioner, it is not my practice to get into the way of people’s belief systems. While the medicine I prescribe and the clinical results I see often include an animal protein-rich diet, vegetarianism – and even veganism, when done right  and under certain constitutional types – can offer safe and healthy guidelines in achieving, sustaining, delivering and breast feeding a healthy baby.

Prenatal Nutrition – The Basics

A good rule of thumb when trying to get pregnant is to eat like you already are. That means reducing, if not eliminating, caffeine and alcohol intake, consuming lots of vitamin-rich vegetables, nourishing proteins and fats and usually adding some sort of prenatal vitamin. In addition, there are specific nutrients, like Folic Acid, that are extremely important to supplement into your diet. Whether you are trying to conceive or already pregnant, the American Pregnancy Association keeps updated general nutritional guidelines based on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) on their site. Exact dosage and nutrients like Folic Acid for pregnancy can be found here.

Found In The Fat

You’ll notice that many of the guidelines list important Vitamins like D, E, A, K2, Minerals like Folate and Zinc and fats like Omega 3′s and DHA – many of which can be found in a variety of vegetables and fruits. While DHA is limited to fish and fish oil products, Omega 3′s can readily be found in the oils of a variety of nuts and seeds.

What usually isn’t listed is that many of the above vitamins are fat soluble, which means that your body can only absorb them when consumed with fat. Since fat is not a major component of the fruits, vegetables and legumes where such nutrients are found, it is important to add some to your meal in order to actually absorb the nutrients you are consuming. Olive Oil, Grassfed Butter, Ghee, Nut Oils or Virgin Coconut Oil are great additions to salads, steamed veggies, beans or to be used in cooking. Not only will your food taste better, but it will be more nutritious for you.

A quick note on fat and weight gain – because many people avoid fat in an effort to stay trim, and because maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy is so important to the health of the mother and the health of the fetus. Despite popular consumer belief, and even FDA nutritional guidelines, wholesome fats will not make us fat. This includes natural saturated fats like butter, coconut oil and lard, as well as unsaturated fats like olive oil. What will expand our waistlines and hips are the trans-fats, like margarine, and extremely refined carbohydrates like corn syrup, fructose, white sugar and white pastas/breads. If you are watching your weight, read this book.

Potent Reproductive Nutrition

The vitamins and minerals important in reproductive health and fetal development are densely found in organ meats, beef, duck, chicken (with the skin), bone broth soups, marrow, whole milk, full-fat dairy, whole eggs, fish roe, cod liver oil, fish and shellfish. Such products come complete with the vitamins and fat all in one, so while there is no harm in adding a little more, the food is rich and nourishing on its own.

While vegetarians, or even vegans, can get around the fat-soluble vitamins by adding a wholesome vegetable fat to their produce, what they are missing are foods saturated with those important hormone and pregnancy nutrients. This means they will probably have to consume more food than women who are carnivores, which works out, as they are also probably hungrier (from the sheer perspective that vegetables digest faster than protein).

Must a woman consume animal protein to have a healthy pregnancy? Certainly not. Vegetarians who include dairy and whole eggs in their diet will have an easier time meeting nutritional requirements – from protein to Omega’s, Calcium and Vitamins like K2, D and A. These nutrients are important, biologically, to the hormonal system.

The Compassionate Diet

Portman isn’t the only celebrity avoiding animal protein, Alica Silverstone (practically the spokes-woman for veganism) is expecting her first child as well. The Examiner talks about how the star is getting all the important prenatal nutrition from a prenatal vegan diet.

While advocates for a vegan lifestyle stem from the theory of compassionate living by not harming animals, it may not be the most compassionate thing for a woman’s body to eliminate them from her diet. Above all, listen to your body. If it is not getting what it needs, it will probably tell you in some uncomfortable way. I do think there is something to Nathalie Portman taking the time to notice that her body needed more of something. That something, was probably her pregnancy and prenatal hormones craving more fat and protein than she was getting from her vegan diet.

A Holistic Approach

Joanne Hay of Nourished Magazine uses the philosophy of “what would your great, great, great grandparent’s eat?” There was a time when processed, pre-made, fortified “health” foods were not available. Yet, couples still achieved healthy (and large) families, which continued on to create more families and so on – until you. What they were eating depends on where in the world they were living, but it was probably a combination of the local animals and plants.

When we speak of constitutional types in Chinese Medicine, we are really talking about genetics. So, what your ancestors ate and their state of health is actually quite important to yours. Western science has given us important information about necessary nutrients to foster prenatal health (adequate folate, for example). Chinese medicine looks at the energetics of foods as a way to nourish and heal the body. This is more of an individual case-by-case basis. I recommend all my patients to take a prenatal vitamin, consult the American Pregnancy Association for appropriate guidelines and then give individual dietary recommendations based on constitutional type for holistic prenatal nutrition.

]]> http://www.erinhessel.com/2011/04/the-right-prenatal-nutrition/feed/ 0 http://www.erinhessel.com/2011/03/upcoming-prenatal-expo/ http://www.erinhessel.com/2011/03/upcoming-prenatal-expo/#comments Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:25:13 +0000 Erin http://www.erinhessel.com/?p=1647 If you or someone you know is expecting, this event is not to be missed. The Pregnant New Yorker is an online resource for Manhattan women and families to learn about all the ins and outs of mothering in the metropolis. But, on April 6th, this resource moves from the web to an exclusive expo! Hear from guest speakers, learn from the many booth vendors, win some amazing raffles, attend various classes and discussions covering topics from breast feeding to spicing up your sex life post-partum.

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/2011/03/international-womens-day/ http://www.erinhessel.com/2011/03/international-womens-day/#comments Tue, 08 Mar 2011 17:23:43 +0000 Erin http://www.erinhessel.com/?p=1611

March 8th, 2011 marks the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day. This day commemorates the achievements of women past and present around the world, and was first held in Denmark, Switzerland, Germany and Austria in 1911. While there is much to celebrate in how far women’s rights have developed from a social, political and economic level; this day also gives a nod to the modern movements making waves for an even brighter future.

There are many activities taking place all over the world in celebration of International Women’s Day, from Google to the White House.  The biggest, and most international of the events will take place on bridges around the globe. Women will flock to the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, the Barriere Bridge in the Congo, the Millenium Bridge in London and many others to celebrate accomplishments and collectively look towards the future.

On Sunday, March 6th, I went to see Ina May Gaskin speak about her new book (which by the way, is of course worth checking out and reading cover to cover!). She opened her lecture with the importance of the International Women’s Day event as a pivotal landmark in ending violence against women. It also happens to be her birthday, which in my opinion is an equally important day worth celebrating due to her profound contribution in the field of women’s health. On this day, I give a nod and respect to Ina May, for her social change and for the fire she ignited in me to provide service for women and their families.

Who inspires you?

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.