CHRIS KRESSER'S NEW BOOK CAME OUT YESTERDAY....

THIS BOOK PERSONALIZES THE PALEO DIET TO WORK FOR YOU.

Episode 211 – Guest: Chris Kresser

Episode 211 – Guest: Chris Kresser

STRESS CAN BE YOUR FRIEND

I have always believed that there was some good in stress. Yeah right? Tell yourself that when your heart is pounding a mile a minute and you are literally dying inside especially when you have to cover it up. Thinking about that goodhormone Oxytocin being released and that stress is your heart's way of wanting to reach out will help. Take a listen. My heart goes out to all of you in whatever it is you are bearing. We are here to elevate each other and support each other. Acupuncture actually releases this good hormone and many other endorphins and neurotransmitters. As well as hugs and a listening nonjudgemental ear. May this Year 2014 open your heart to the magic within our hearts, both the joy and the sadness.

WATCH: Turns Out, We May Have Gotten the Science of Stress Completely Wrong

www.huffingtonpost.com

Psychologist Kelly McGonigal shares new research showing that it's our thinking about stress, rather than stress itself, that affects our health.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A WONDROUS SEASON OF LOVE, HOPE AND JOY!

MAY THIS CHRISTMAS AMAZE YOU WITH ALL THE WONDERS OF THE WORLD AND OPEN YOUR HEART TO THAT WHICH IS ALREADY WITHIN YOU. GOD BLESS.


LOVE TO MY FAMILY, TO ALL MY BELOVED CLIENTS, CURRENT, AND PAST, TO THE LORD ABOVE FOR HIS UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT DURING THE PAST YEAR AND YEARS. MAY YOU BE BLESSED WITH HEALTH AND DREAMS COME TRUE.

CAROLYN

The Joining - glimpses into the story

• Qua shares his story.   I share this with all my clients in particular because often trying times emotionally or physically awaken us to that which is always within us that just has not been awakened and spirit either via our illness or distress is trying to take us on a path of awakening.  For some, it is just something as simple as Qua's experience of an awareness of an inner presence that he was aware of even as a kid, as probably so many of us were. For some it means letting go of everything in their world as it was.  As we become more consciously aware we realize that which we thought was safe or the norm or a means of escape is not satisfying anymore.  It may be as simple as becoming more conscious of what we eat and how we care for ourselves and hence how we connect and care for those we interact with.   Our physical imbalances of infertility, IBS, Chronic degenerative diseases, depression/anxiety etc. can lead us back to health again on all levels and on a spiritual level transform our way of thinking and living.  We have a choice to listen and become aware or let it all overwhelm us, or escape and numb out thru all the various avenues that exist and continue to suffer.  Or we can consciously suffer and transform the suffering, what's left is peace the peace that can never be shaken.  Qua is a spiritual teacher on this journey and it is a never ending journey.

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL.....

My Christmas Special
good till Christmas Eve!
"Conceive the Belief of Conception"
A Gift of Love, of Birth, of Joy to all those you Love....

Buy a package of 24 and get one free session!! This equates to more than a $15 dollar savings per session!

Or Buy a package of 12 and get half off the 13th session! Approximately a $12 savings per session!

"Finding Your Own Way" In The Midst of The Holidays!

"Finding Your Own Way"
"Until you become aware of and connected to your source, soul, and spirit, you may rely on your connections with others to feel secure and stable. But when you understand from where you came and who you are, you can walk the path you were meant to walk, majestic in your solitude." As Albert Einstein said: "I am truly a lone traveler and have never belonged to my country, my friends, or even my immediate family with my whole heart; in the face of all these ties, I have never lost a sense of distance and a need for solitude, feelings which increase through the years."
----From the book "The Way of the Fertile Soul" By Randine Lewis. In this holiday time, remembering this, when you are away from family or do not yet have one of your own, or a significant other, or do not have one nearby or even more so if you are with them, that you are in heart, truly more connected to them by connecting to your inner essence, your spirit, your peace, as the holidays can be stressful for all of us whether alone or with family. Self-reflection can be meditative and help us remember the true spirit of Christmas amidst friends, family or alone. God Bless.

LOST KEYS ARE NEVER FOUND BY SEARCHING

Trying to force things into happening never works. It is rather like this quote written by a psychotherapist, from the book "The Way of The Fertile Soul" by Dr. Randine Lewis. All of us at some point have experienced this.

"It's like losing your keys. You look everywhere and anywhere--sometimes you look in the same place multiple times--but you still have no keys. It is when you give up looking that they suddenly appear under your nose and you're amazed that they were right there the whole time. You swear you looked there! I looked for my keys(to a happier life) for three years. I used every flashlight, strobe light, and digging machine I could find. I didn't want to stop looking because I didn't want to give up that sense of control. Letting go of control is the hardest step of this fertility program but it's the one with the greatest reward. When you stop trying to control the outcome, everything that you're looking for will come to you. your keys will be found. They've been there all along." This is true for so many things in life not just trying to conceive a baby but trying to conceive almost all aspects in your life, even the mundane of finding your lost keys. But it is the key to life! The more we pursue the pursuit the more we can drive ourself crazy with anxiety. So as one Guru stated "Stop and Keep Quiet, Stop the Search" Then in a calmer state of mind of inner peace you will know what to do, it will appear before you. The path will be shown and your desires fulfilled.

12 Weeks Pregnant....always a delight to hear!

One of my patient's sent me this message yesterday and allowed me to post. I am always delighted to hear even after the fact, as some women do not always continue with the acupuncture during pregnancy. However, it is recommended to come in for the first 12 weeks to prevent miscarriage.
"Hi Carolyn
Thanks for sending me this news article(seewww.winknews.com, Acupuncture helping couples to conceive, listed below). I was actually thinking of you today because I'm 12 weeks pregnant!! I conceived during that second IUI cycle in combination with your acupuncture/herbal treatments. I was very excited when I found out I was pregnant but wanted to wait until at least 12 weeks to tell you. I can't thank you enough for your understanding, and your guidance in helping me to conceive and to make healthier food choices. I believe it all helped my mind and body to be in sync with one another, in a more relaxed manner, which made me more fertile!
Everything is good so far, we are so happy to be pregnant, and to put that long chapter of infertility behind us. Thank you!!" K.R.

I cannot wait to see her baby!  

Acupuncture helping couples to conceive

Acupuncture helping couples to conceive

Katy Bowman - Aligned and Well Down There For Women - Pelvic Floor Exercise

Eat only Fresh Food, Free of all Chemicals....

Click right here for credible msg/free glutamate updates:



  http:www.Truthinlabeling.com

Do You Know What Co-Culture, Vitrification, Metabolomics and IVM Mean?

The Breakdown of Western Lab Techniques Used In IVF
....Pretty Amazing! Even More Amazing is that the outcome of all of these improve with Acupuncture!



Laboratory techniques used in IVF

www.crossbees.com

Lab, choosing right IVF clinic, Intracytoplasmic extended, cultivation, assisted, hatching, IVM, Vitro Maturation, Vitrification, Metabolomics

Twin Boys

"I started seeing Carolyn after a few months of trying to conceive with no luck, at the same time that my husband and I started testing for fertility issues. We ultimately determined that we had a severe male factor infertility issue, however, I kept seeing Carolyn once a week throughout the whole process. Working with Carolyn helped me stay calm and focused and, I believe, primed my mind and body to respond well to my first IVF cycle. My husband needed surgery to retrieve sperm, which we did in conjunction with the IVF cycle. Because of the specialized nature of the surgery, we did the cycle in New York. I worked with Carolyn up until I left for New York, was treated with acupuncture while in New York and continued with Carolyn upon my return, once a week through my first trimester. I am now 21 weeks along, expecting twin boys! We could not be happier and I thank Carolyn very much for our success."
Andrea

IS IT TOO LATE TO BEGIN ACUPUNCTURE?

Many women when they call me about acupuncture for their fertility ask me "is it too late to begin acpuncture treatments?" My response to them is, "is it too late to brush your teeth? Is it too late to eat healthy? Is it to late to exercise? To pray?" Acupuncture is far more than just for fertility, it helps to keep us emotionally and spiritually balanced. When I went for the first time 20 years ago for my low back pain, it was the calmness of mind and emotions that thrilled me more. If you have a physical problem it usually is indicative you need to take more time for yourself to heal on all levels, body, mind, spirit. Take the time for you, the world will love you if you do.

In Zen Schools They Call Meditation Sitting......with no method

Mom's Fertility Story Ends With This Smiley Baby Boy!

This little guy was born at the end of May and his Mom shared this picture to go with her story below.

After several months of trying to concieve we began to realize this may not be as easy as we thought, so in February 2011 during a routine Gynecologic visit I raised my concerns with my Doctor. She drew my Progesterone level to make sure I was ovulating. I had been on birth control previously, but had discontinued taking it when I turned 35. The results came back normal. I then went on to have an HSG test to see if I had any blockages in my fallopian tubes or irregularities, all came back clear. My husband and I were relieved at the results and continued our quest. A few more months went by and nothing, not even a maybe! So we thought the next best step for us was to see a Fertility Specialists just to do some further testing, basically be proactive. The one thing we didn’t want was to be 39 and running out of time and come to realize there was a problem that could have been fixed years ago. So in July 2011 we made an appointment at a Fertility Specialist Group here in Tampa.
We had so many friends who had issues trying to conceive and who had to seek alternative methods, but we could not believe that we actually might be one of those couples too! Several blood tests were run and all came back within normal range, but one level was highly elevated, my FSH level came back very high. We were shocked and not expecting this result at all. I had no family history of difficulties to conceive, in fact my mother had me at 35 and my sister had her two children at 38 and 41 so I thought no way. Our doctor went over all the results. Everything else was within normal ranges, AMH, and follicle count etc. He was very honest with us but not discouraging. The plan of action would be to skip Clomid completely and start on injectables and do an IUI. We began our first cycle at the end of July.
Mid way through our first IUI cycle my husband suggested I try acupuncture. We had heard that it may help with infertility. We had read an article about a local news woman who became pregnant after having difficulties trying to conceive and she had gone to Carolyn Huffman of Huffman Wellness. We set up an appointment, and I met with Carolyn for my first session. I was willing to give anything a try to help boost our chances. When I met with Carolyn in August 2011, I was midway through my first IUI cycle, Carolyn would have preferred I had prepared my body first with acupuncture and then began the treatments, but she was still encouraging and so we began.
I would see Carolyn twice a week and for the next several months and complete 3 rounds of IUI’s. In November 2011 my husband and I decided to take a break from the injectables and IUI’s, the holidays were approaching and we wanted to relax and enjoy. I continued my twice weekly acupuncture treatments but added some herbal supplements to my regime per Carolyn’s suggestion. At this point I was not drinking alcohol or caffeine and had added some new foods to my diet. Carolyn teaches you that diet plays a big role in your fertility. So I began eating things like Kale, butternut squash, and many other things she suggested during our sessions. I had always exercised regularly so I continued to do so. The first of January 2012 I found out I was pregnant, my first positive pregnancy test!! This was a result of a “drug free” cycle, only acupuncture and herbal supplements. Unfortunately the excitement was short lived because I then miscarried at 5 weeks.
The miscarriage was sad and disappointing, but it gave us a glimmer of hope, I can get pregnant! Although saddened by the loss, Carolyn continued to offer promise and hope that this could happen for us. Her encouragement kept me motivated and determined not give up on our dream of starting a

family. I was now 38 years old and we had been trying for well over a year. My husband and I decided to set a timeline, we will continue to try naturally with acupuncture and herbs for the next 6 months and if nothing happens we will move on to IVF. Six months past and I had now officially been under Carolyn’s care for a year. I thought why stop the acupuncture now, I had my body ready and we were going to start IVF, studies had shown it plays a big role in success of IVF cycles. Many IVF clinics have an acupuncturist on staff. My husband and I couldn’t believe here we were getting ready to start IVF, never did we think we would find ourselves in that position. All my bloodwork was re-­‐drawn and more tests were run, to our surprise my elevated FSH level had now dropped dramatically closer to normal ranges. No doubt, acupuncture played a role in bringing that level down.
We began the injections and went for our daily ultrasounds to see how my follicles were growing but as the days went on I was not responding as well to the medications as we would have liked. I had responded beautifully to the meds when doing IUIs but that only required 3 mature follicles, now we wanted as many as 10 to increase our chances and that wasn’t happening. After much discussion and praying we decided to abandon the IVF cycle and convert to IUI. We had three mature follicles, an ideal situation for an IUI, but knowing I had failed 3 previous IUI attempts in the past I was not too optimistic, unlike my husband who said he had a “good feeling” about this one. I still continued to see Carolyn twice a week and she continued to offer encouraging words of support as she had done throughout the entire process. She was on board for whatever path we chose and she knew after a year of seeing her and following her regime, I was a tough case!
I had the day marked on my calendar when I could take my pregnancy test. I got my test stick and said a little prayer, thinking how crazy would this be if after all of this I got pregnant on an abandoned IVF cycle. After about a minute the stick flashed PREGNANT!! I thought no way and immediately went into shock and disbelief. I called my husband who was out of town on business and we both could not believe what was happening! My rejoicing became short lived because feelings of fear quickly set in. Having gone through a previous miscarriage and knowing the joy then the pain of it all. I pulled myself together and went to see Carolyn for my Thursday morning appointment. As soon as I saw her she asked how I was and I blurted out “I’m pregnant” we both began to cry. Carolyn invests so much in all her patients so our pain is her pain and our joy is her joy and it is truly heartfelt.
The next few weeks were nerve-­‐wracking as blood levels were drawn to make sure the pregnancy was progressing and then the heartbeat was heard, what an amazing sound! I continued to see Carolyn throughout my first trimester, which is highly recommended. I am happy to say we are now 7 months pregnant and due to deliver a baby boy the first of June. For many women their options are limited, I was lucky to have many options when dealing with my infertility. I can honestly say that Carolyn and acupuncture were the driving forces in our success. As the months went by and I laid on the table stuck with needles, I did not give up. Carolyn has a wonderful way of helping you to believe this will happen. She offers you so much insight and it’s so encouraging when you hear about all of her success stories. In the two years of trying to conceive I was able to become pregnant twice all while under Carolyn’s care. Believe me there were many mornings I did not want to see those needles, especially after a year and a half of appointments, but I knew the benefit I was gaining with each session. There is no doubt that acupuncture played a huge role in our success in trying to conceive. My husband and I are so grateful to Carolyn and we can’t begin to thank her enough for helping our dreams come true!! We have a new found respect for couples who suffer from fertility issues, because now we are one of them. It’s one of those situations in life you don’t fully understand until you’ve experienced its journey, but we are proof that happy endings are possible if you believe!! Thank you Carolyn!!! 

LIVER & ONIONS.....NUTIENT DENSE

Chris Kressor author of "The Healthy Baby Code" says "LIVER is very nutrient dense and important to eat for FERTILITY and PREGNANCY, as long as it is grass fed, hormone, antibiotic free." I had not had liver gosh since I was in high school living at home. I got this at Wholefood's today and the butcher pulled out the whole beef liver vacuum packed. He cut me a few slices fresh and some to freeze. At any rate it was very delicious, sauteed in butter with the sweetest NY onions and some garlic and a splash of merlot.

REFRESHING MORNING GREEN DRINK

Detox with this refreshing morning green drink you can juice yourself.  Take a couple of raw kale leaves washed, 1 cucumber pealed, handful of parsley washed, 1 green apple washed combine in juicer with a little lemon if you like and enjoy before you have your morning bacon and eggs or hot cereal.  This drink will help to detox your liver and kidneys, nourish your yin(the fluids in your body) and your blood and help your spleen digest better and oxygenate your cells.  Hence you will think more clearly and have more energy.  So yes before that morning cup of coffee indulge here first.  Takes a short bit of prep but you love it!  Yep even the prep!

TAKE TIME FOR YOU.......

TAKE TIME FOR YOU.....(813)831-6080, ACUPUNCTURE to: De-stress, Unwind, Relax Your Neck and Shoulders.
$10 off Through Friday Sept. 6th...........................

IN FOR LOW BACK PAIN OUT WITH NO PAIN AND FLOATING.....

Acupuncture tunes you into a higher part of your self, it opens up the endorphins in your brain and that it why you almost feel euphoric like. I remember my first treatment, I went in for low back pain and came out feeling like someone had given me an elixir and I was not sure I could drive back home to St. Pete. at the time. It was amazing, and that good feeling lasted for the whole week. Relief of my low back pain was great but the added bonus of feeling like nothing in the world could bother me, was huge. I continued to go for treatments for 2 months twice a week. I never got that high as much as I did the first time but I still felt relaxed and calmer. Subsequent treatments over the years often make me feel like I am floating.

MEDITATIONS FOR EMOTIONAL HEALING BY TARA BRACH

TARA BRACH CONVEYS "THE BOUNDARY OF WHAT WE CAN ACCEPT IS THE BOUNDARY TO OUR FREEDOM"
I say, Everyday when I can be willing to accept with grace or not, I find something opens up I had no idea I would have found, had I not said "okay lets go with this 'I hate this moment....'and see what happens when I allow it to be as it is."
I have to say "thank you" to all the spiritual teachers including my own Catholic up bringing, Eckhardt Tolle, Gangagi, my own Mother, my own Father.

The Path of Homecoming, a free audio teaching from our dear friend Tara Brach - http://bit.ly/1dWXjGg

Wouldn’t life be great if we didn’t have any conflicts, disappointments, suffering, illness, or death? We often act from an unexamined belief that our life would be perfect if we could avoid everything we don’t like. Yet Dr. Tara Brach teaches that by trying to avoid our pain, we often miss what is most beautiful in life—and why it is beautiful.

In this excerpt from the audio program Meditations for Emotional Healing, selected by Sounds True producer Randy Roark, Tara explores the practice of surrendering to life exactly as it is. It is in this state of presence, she says, that we can find what’s better than a life without suffering—life itself, in all of its beauty and richness, sadness and loss, filled with mystery and wonder, just the way it is.

Acupuncture Catching Up With Massage for Relaxation

I often muse how long it took massage to catch on here in Tampa back in the early 1980's when I was first doing massage and you had to specify it was a "Therapeutic Massage". Now everyone gets massages, loves them. So, I think it may be that way for acupuncture here, where people are still skeptical of the relaxation and health benefits of it. I hear comments like, "is it going overboard for what I need with my fertility or health?" Or RE doctors saying you can "try it, won't hurt". And yet in CO, CA, NY it is hot, people seek it out as a first option for their health maintenance and fertility. Why? It is less invasive, good for you, cheaper in the long run.
I recall one of my fertility patient's telling me Dr. Schoolcraft in CO requires women, especially over 35 to get acupuncture for 3 months before even coming to see him. I believe he said Chinese Herbs and supplements as well too.

Conference Call with Dr. Randine Lewis on "Viewing Your Fertility through an Eastern Lens"

Dr. Randine's conference calls are super. She is so insightful and always taps into the deeper stuff linked to fertility which is crucial to your healing. Surrendering is hard when it comes to our desires that is why often the tears allow us to release the tight grip we hold and open up to God's love and our true source. You can "think positive" till you are blue in the face but so often when women allow the emptying out of tears and sadness....the allowing happens on its own.

Viewing Your Fertility through an Eastern Lens"
Sunday, September 1st at 8 p.m. EST

The Western medical attitude about fertility is not all that complex, but can be limiting. Reproductive medicine views fertility as a function of young ovaries, unblocked fallopian tubes, a uterus with no obvious obstructions, and laboratory values within normal limits. Chinese medicine, on the other hand, views the lab values and reproductive organs as mere reflections of our underlying fertility, which is a function of the the spirit, the blood, the heart, kidneys, spleen, liver, how our various life energies interact with our environment, and how much "essence" we have available to support new life after it has taken care of the demands of our own.
Join Dr. Lewis on a conference call Sunday, September 1st at 8:00 p.m. EST as she discusses a more holistic view of fertility based on the ancient Eastern system of healing. For those interested in learning about diet, Kathryn Flynn will lead a discussion on nutrition and fertility following Randine's call.

To join in dial 605-475-4000 then access code 794774#.
Those calling from Canada should call 805-360-1075
and then you will be prompted to enter the original
number and access code.

1. Please DON'T announce your name when you dial in - there will be many callers on the line and theconference call may have already begun.

2. Immediately press *6 to MUTE your phone line (or use the Mute button on your phone) - this will prevent any unnecessary background noise and static on the line. You can press *5 to unmute your line once the call is opened up for discussion.

3. There are only 100 callers allowed on the call - make sure to call-in early to reserve your space.

4. Please keep topics and questions during the discussion related to the specific call.

Identical Twins born July 2012 Naturally to a Very Deserving, Patient Woman.

                                         Utterly Beautiful Summer Photo of Mom and her
                                          Adorable Identical Twin Girls.........whom I had the
                                          pleasure of meeting.

Supporting IVF with Dietary Therapy.....Empower Yourself, Health Has to Begin at Home!

http://www.yinovacenter.com/blog/archives/21827/

Like this link a lot and am a big believer in food being thy medicine first. Does it not make sense to eat cooling fresh food when you feel feverish or hot and warming, nourishing food when you are cold and depleted? And when you feel stuck and stagnant to clean out a bit with really clean, bland lightly cooked or steamed food only? What you do at home empowers you and your health. It often is the jumpstart that when combined with acupuncture and Chinese Medicine works superbly to manifest fertile soil for your fertility. Take advantage of these helpful hints.

Supporting IVF with Dietary Therapy
www.yinovacenter.com
Many patients pair IVF treatments with Traditional Chinese Medicine. For those people, it is important to know some general traditional principles to help facil

Hazel Rae born August 2013

"Thank you Carolyn Huffman for all you did to help us bring this little miracle baby into the world."
Thank you Becky for your openness to this process, for your openness to another way to conceive. For your openness in sharing your joy, your pride and your journey.  I wish you all the best on your path of parenting and motherhood.  Hugs, kisses and love to baby Hazel.  God be with.

Root Of Etiological Factors In Spirit

Even though we have etiological factors that create disease, even those factors do not create disease if someone is balanced in spirit.   So as acupuncturists and doctors of Chinese Medicine we always look to spirit first.
How is Qi or energy related to Emotions?
Fear causes Qi to descend often resulting in excessive urination, affecting the kidneys.  Anger causes Qi to rise affecting the head and liver. Worry causes Qi to not move and get stuck or blocked, affecting the spleen.
"Yin and Yang are the dao of the heavens and earth, the grid and net of the ten thousand things, the mother and father of change and transformation, the root and origin of birth and death, the palace hosting the clarity of the shen.  To treat the illness one must search for its root.  And its root is always in spirit."   Su Wen Chapter 5

Baby Landon born May 2013

I love this picture one of my clients shared with me in her slideshow. I was happy to support her through her pregnancy journey with acupuncture and she was so kind to allow me to share it. Her baby boy is adorable and this photo speaks volumes of love, family and parenthood. What a joy!

Treating Injuries with Acupuncture: Reduces Inflamation, & Scar Tissue

Acupuncture works great when you have an injured sprained ankle like mine. Especially when you can treat it right away as I did last night when it occurred. This is an old sprain and I immediately went into protective mode and treated it as I knew this was my 4th time over many years spraining it and the scar tissue is deeply embedded within the connective tissue. i also had to take a look at the emotional connection linked to this injury. Why do I keep hurting myself, what am I sad about or angry about in my life? It forced me to take a look at those things in my life I have not been happy about, as I believe our body talks to us and especially when we do not listen. It will scream out at us to pay attention. For me I know it is making more of a spiritual connection with all that I do in my life and to tie that more in with my career. My spirit is calling me in everyday to connect more with it, to feel more fulfilled....and aren't we all wanting more of this? More joy? It is not just about staying healthy but of making healthy connections, of finding our inner essence in the simple day to day routines. How do we do that without feeling isolated, or unfulfilled. Gangaji would say "do nothing", stop the search, just be and in just being you bring presence to the moment and life unfolds. Tonight oddly enough I am tuning into a webinar on EFT(Emotional Freedom Techniques) by medical doctor Larry Burk author of the book "Let Magic Happen: Adventures in Healing with a Holistic Radiologist" Excited to learn more. It basically is a self care approach to teach my acupuncture clients and myself.

Does Life Purpose Enhance Longevity?
http://bit.ly/172crPv
Turning 60 a few weeks back was quite a trip. It’s one of those milestones that prompts reflection as w...See more

Does Life Purpose Enhance Longevity?

bit.ly

Turning 60 a few weeks back was quite a trip. It’s one of those milestones that prompts reflection as well as plenty of celebration. (My wife, Carrie, is always good about getting me to do that part.) I’ve known for many years that hitting 60 wouldn’t be the bleak event our culture often makes it […...

Questions About Ovulation

When?          Day 14, earlier, later or not at all
How Long?  Hours or Days of Fertile Mucus
How Much?  Copious Mucus or little or none
Looks Like?  Clear Stretchy, thick cloudy
Feels Like?    Abdomen pain or breast symptoms

Questions About the Health of Your Cycle

When?           Is it regular, length of cycle
How Long?   Short or Long Period
How Much?  Heavy or scanty flow
Looks Like?  Bright, dark, clotty blood
Feels Like?    Abdominal/pelvic pain, back pain

Answers to these lets me see the overall health of your menstrual cycle and hence your ability to conceive.

Summary of Helpful Fertility Test Requests

Blood Tests

---FSH and AMH levels for ovarian reserve/perimenopause
---Oestrogen levels for ovarian activity
---Progesterone levels for proof of ovulation
---LH and testosterone levels for PCOS
---TSH for thyroid function
---MTHFR clotting risk test
---Inhibin B
---Prolactin
---Endocrine Insulin Resistance Screening

Laproscopy for endometriosis, tubal patency
Hysteroscopy for endometrial disorders, bleeding, fibroids, polps
Hysterosalpingogram for tubal patency and uterine contours(malformation)
Ultrasound for fibroids, ovarian activity and tracking, endometrial thickness and appearance, polycystic ovaries
Post coital test for cervical mucus and sperm compatibility

All of these tests help with my diagnosis from a TCM perspective and to check progress of your treatment and to exclude malignancy or other disorders which require surgery or other treatment.
This does not mean you cannot begin acupuncture treatment for general health and fertility while at some point pursuing these.

Who Chooses TCM Treatment For Infertility?

Who Chooses TCM(Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncture/Herbs) Treatment for Infertility?

1. Couples who are having difficulty conceiving but are not yet ready to try Clomid/Femara, IUI, IVF.

2. Couples wanting an Alternative or Natural Medicine.

3. Couples for whom Clomid/Femara, IUI, IVF has failed or is not appropriate.

4. Couples preparing themselves for pregnancy or to do IUI, IVF.

5. Couples who wish to try everything.

Practical Paleo New York Times Best Seller!

Practical Paleo is an amazing book! One which I will share with all my fertility and general patients. A Paleo diet is not just a diet it becomes a way of life. It is a balanced and sound way of eating that has changed my life for the better. I have more energy and feel better than I ever have. The food is amazing and when you understand the chemistry and breakdown of good carbs versus bad carbs and good fat versus bad fat and how it affects our organs and cells, it makes sense. At first it goes against the so called low fat diets but when you start to see how saturated fats are actually good for us from a biochemical point of view it begins to make sense.

Diane's book has some super recipes and pictures to boot. She talks about each organ system and what foods are good and bad. I want to make it a must for all my fertility patients. Health begins at home in the kitchen. When you start eating good you realize how even nonorganic non-grassfed free range meats can make you feel off balance, even emotionally. I want to make her frozen raspberry torte....doesn't that sound cooling for these hot humid summer days? I say even if you are just getting started shifting your diet from processed, sugary foods, know you are doing your body a favor. Even vegetarians, will find the knowledge helpful and sound and still some wonderful recipes. I always say follow the 80/20 rule but when something in your body is off, go back to the 100% rule for awhile and let food be thy medicine.

Book review: Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo

shar.es

Science, recipes, customization, and beautiful, easy-to-read graphics — Diane Sanfilippo's Practical Paleo has it all.

Spring Salads

Spring Salads are a wonderful way to feel the freshness of spring and to enliven your body with minerals and vitamins.    This one was created out of whatever I had left in the fridge and so I remembered reading about an avocado, orange salad and thought okay I can add some extra color with strawberries and radishes, cucumbers and fresh herbs and hidden believe it or not is some steamed collards.  I splashed some balsamic vinegar over it and yum, after one bowl I wanted to devour another but couldn't quite do it.   So I have another bowl for lunch today.   Salads like this nourish our body's yin and blood and hence superb for good egg quality.  Whereas the Winter Stews because of their warming nature support spleen and kidney yang and help with keeping progesterone levels and the luteal phase of the cycle.

Good Doctors Learn From Their Patients

Just as all good teachers learn from their students, all good doctors learn from their patients. I am forever grateful for all that I learn from my patients. They teach us far more than we often give to them. This might mean learning what we can give and what is too much for the patient to process. Our bodies, mind and emotions, can only process so much, especially if we already have a lot going on in our lives. This might apply to how many acupuncture needles, or herbs I choose to use, or new information to convey. I have learned over the years, less is often more. I think my patients who have been with me, know I can deliver the "QI". I am passionate about what I do, blending that with humility compassion and wisdom is where true healing begins. Whether we are the recipient or the giver, we each grow.

I Basal Thermometer

http://www.fairhavenhealth.com/ibasal-thermometer.html?cmp=froogle&kw=ibasal-thermometer&utm_source=ibasal-thermometer&utm_medium=shopping%2Bengine&utm_campaign=froogle&gclid=CML_08yr-rUCFQ7znAodgRYA5w
Check this thermometer out.   Even has an alarm built in to awake you.

Pregnancy Loss and Miscarriage

Recently I have been consulted to write a chapter for a book on Fertility, Pregnancy Loss and Miscarriage and as I was reviewing my patient files I became aware of how many of my women have had a previous history of miscarriage.  Not just one but even three.  Miscarriage typically occurs before 13 weeks.  Often women will miscarry early as in week 5 or 6 with no heartbeat, others will get a heartbeat at 6 or 7 weeks and then by 9, no heartbeat and they will begin spotting to eventually getting their period.   I see so many at 9 weeks; the woman is delighted to have gotten the ultrasound heartbeat, it was good and strong, only to find out by 9 weeks there is no heartbeat or she will begin spotting or bleeding.  Devastating to say the least.   Most of the women receiving acupuncture after they had a prior history of miscarriage do not miscarry again.  However, if they have never gotten pregnant but they do conceive after receiving several weeks of acupuncture and then miscarry it is a sign their Qi or Blood was not quite strong enough yet, but they did conceive and that is the key.   Now, it is essential they maintain their treatments for the first 12 weeks especially with a history of miscarriage, because the likelihood is always greater with a previous history whether it be miscarriage or any of the list of adverse events that can occur during Pregnancy, this is also true for those with the tendency toward Preterm labor (anything after 20 weeks but before 37 weeks).  Acupuncture helps to contain the QI, calm the fetus, quiet the spirit of the mother and support the spleen whose role it is to transport and transform the food we eat so our blood and yin our nourished better, this is why it helps with miscarriage.

Chapter 8 of the Ling Shu Says:  "According to the principle of acupuncture, one must examine the patient first and then treat according to the conditions of his spiritual activities."  Chinese Classics say that the superior doctor treats spirit first.

Grace and its Wisdom to Trust our Inner Guidance

All unfulfilled desires and hardships such as infertility, illness, loss of any kind brings us deep sorrow and to the depths of our being but when we can bring the peace to these moments, grace will fill our hearts with love and open doors we never thought possible. It is then each cell in our body electrifies with life. When you feel the "peace that passeth all understanding" then you know a deeper knowing, a trust that there is no need to figure out what to do or how to do it, it just presents itself because we have been enlightened from within, we can see clearly again. God, Spirit whatever you deem fit shows us the way. Each and everyone of us is guided from within, without seeking outwardly, the way presents itself. Pain, sorrow, fear are not comfortable but they help us grow. They become portals into our deeper wisdom, our connection to God and our spiritual self. If we are afraid to go deeper into our own emotions they can often dominate us, scare us but when we see them as an awareness into our body and our deeper selves or what our spirit longs for, or is trying to teach us, then this awareness as an observer transforms our whole being and our outlook. From this place of awareness, it is easier to open up to what is, to accept the moment as it is. Then there is no more struggle from within and so without, which brings us back to Grace. I embrace all my women and men I work with, with love and goodness and peace but most of all grace. The Grace to go through this journey knowing there is something deeper within you, longing to come forth and trusting that it will, in its own way no matter where you are on this journey to health.

Warming winter stews

This cold weather has prompted me to make some warming stews. So last night after my lamb chop bones(no meat on these btw that had been eaten last week) had slow cooked in the crockpot for 24 hours I made lamb stew and used the liquid from the bones as the stewing liquid for the stew itself.   This stew has apple cider in it for the deglazing liquid that I put over the sauted vegetables and then browned saratoga lamb, butternut squash, pearl onions and prunes.  Spices included tumeric, cinnamon, cumin and fresh ginger.  So it has a warming but sweet flavor about it, excellent for the spleen and kidney yang and good for my women who have a history of miscarriage or luteal phase defect, plus you get the nourishment from the bone broth itself.

Take care and enjoy this cool weather but be sure to eat something warming.  I added the collard greens when I reheated it for lunch today.  The greens give us the minerals and help to balance out excess hormones and stagnation in our body and cool down any heat.