Another Reason to Try Natural Labor Induction

For those of you planning to give birth sometime in the future, you may want to rethink what to expect when you're expecting. Although it may come as a surprise, the United States is actually one of the lowest ranking industrialized nations for safe childbirth.

Here's the scenario at your average American hospital. You go into labor. The doctor suggests Pitocin, a drug that acts like the hormone oxytocin to bring on contractions. Once you take Pitocin, the contractions come on quickly and more painfully and your brain actually stops producing its own oxytocin. You need an epidural to stop the pain. The epidural slows down the labor and actually goes into your child's bloodstream.

At his point, your chances of a normal vaginal delivery are greatly reduced. But that's probably to your doctors advantage since most OBs are more comfortable with a surgical delivery anyway.

So you get a c-section. It's not only more dangerous for you and your baby, but it also will almost guarantee that you will heal more slowly after labor and be the beginning of other health issues down the line.

Monetarily, if you don't have insurance you are paying about $15,000 more than you were before. Even with insurance coverage, you're not saving yourself any money; the birth will most likely still cost more in out of pocket expenses.

When all is said and done it would have been more responsible of you to consider other options like natural labor induction. At St John Acupuncture you may be spending $90 on labor induction, but you're saving you and your baby in multiple ways.

Check out this recent article from Time Magazine to see what I mean.

http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,2007754,00.html

US Military begins plans to officially use Battlefield Acupuncture

As mentioned in the article below about Battlefield Acupuncture, Dr. Richard Niemtzow has been honing and testing his technique for years at Andrews Airforce base. However, next year the US Military will officially begin using Battlefield acupuncture on a larger scale.

As a practitioner who has learned this technique, I have to tell you that it is pretty darn amazing. For some of my patients it can make all the difference in the results they're getting in my clinic.

To read more check out this link:

http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/266173

Ishizaka Traditional Japanese Acupuncture

The traditional Japanese style of acupuncture originated from hands on methods of healing like Qi gong, Shiatsu and other styles of Japanese massage. Practitioners began using a quick in and out form of needling in the areas of the body that they had felt the most energetic impact while using their hands.

In the late 1700's Ishizaka Sotetsu created created his own system of needling based on this knowledge but also including western medicine from the Dutch. Incredibly, this was the first (but not last) time in history that Western medicine would be combined with a complementary form of healing.

The idea was to work the needle in Japanese style up and down the spinal cord along to correlate with the Western view that the nerves traveled from the brain and down the spine.

I like to think of this style of needling as being the closest thing my patients will get to an acupuncture massage.

Using my left hand to palpitate and massage the body, I go digging for what I like to call "rice crispies".

Rice crispies are those crunchy little knots and bumps that I know you all can feel in your neck and shoulders.

After rubbing the affected area, I do a quick and light in and out Japanese needling style to work out those rice crispies and detoxify the body.


How does it feel?

Well, I'd have to say it feels pretty good.

I had it done to me the other weekend and my back felt more open. In my neck where I was having a little bit of soreness from carrying around my 17 month old, I really felt it most intensely. And it made a difference.

So come on in and try it out. I think you're really going to enjoy it.

We are now armed to the teeth with our Battlefield Acupuncture Skills

Battlefield Acupuncture, or Niemtzow Acupuncture was developed by the military for the purpose of instantly relieving pain in the heat of a battle. According to the protocol, an acupuncturist should be able to alleviate pain within minutes so that a patient can have broader range of motion and be able to function painlessly.

Sounds too good to be true, right?

That's exactly what I thought.

Until I went to the HealthSouth Petersburg Rehabilitation Hospital in Petersburg, Va to learn the protocol.

What I found was amazing results.

Patients, accompanied by their physical therapists, nurses and family members all lined up to give Battlefield Acupuncture a try. There was a post stroke patient, a man sustaining a sever spinal cord injury with painful neuropathy and a nurse with plantar fasciitis waiting - to name a few - waiting to be healed.

Amazingly enough, all of the patients found major relief or increased range of motion. The therapists were amazed and so was the rest of the class.

After returning home from the clinic, I used the technique on 5 of my 11 patients today. All of them found relief and none of them could believe the immediate results.

The question of the day was: "Where did the pain go?"

Well folks, there's actually a good explanation for this. But what I recommend is coming in and trying it for yourself. You won't regret it for a minute. And I would love to treat you.

To read more about Battlefield Acupuncture, go to the link below.

http://www.battlefieldacupuncture.com/

Good News, Ladies

The medical community of Oncology and Radiology has been only one of the most recent groups to embrace the benefits of acupuncture. Last year the Journal of Radiology published a very positive study about the benefits of acupuncture in treating the side effects of radiation treatment.

This great article from Science Daily explains the benefits of acupuncture for reducing hot flashes and increasing sex drive for breast cancer patients.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091229105908.htm

7 Misconceptions of Acupuncture

Here's a great video about the 7 myths of acupuncture. Enjoy!

7 Myths About Acupuncture from Urban Remedy Community Acupunctu on Vimeo.

Scientific Breakthrough on How Acupuncture Works

And so it had gone for years that when I discuss the benefits of acupuncture with western medical doctors the inevitable question is raised: "How exactly does acupuncture work? Is there any quantifiable evidence that proves it's efficacy?"

Of course thousands of research studies have been conducted supporting acupuncture as a viable form of therapy, but the question of how it works never seems to get answered.

The idea that acupuncture needles work along the nervous system pathways is great, but too good to be true. There are really only a couple of acupuncture points that are on or near nerve endings.

However, what acupuncturists and Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners recognize as "qi" or the general life force that flows through the body along pathways called meridians may actually be quantifiable in scientific terms.

Click on the link below to read more about this scientific breakthrough:

http://www.examiner.com/x-11705-NY-Holistic-Science--Spirit-Examiner~y2009m10d12-New-scientific-breakthrough-proves-why-acupuncture-works

Support Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act!

Please support HR646 - The Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act.

This bill will include acupuncture as a part of Medicare coverage.

What does that mean? Well, funny you should ask:

1. People who aren't able to afford healthcare will have access to acupuncture. This will enable people with problems that are not greatly effected by Western Medicine or physical therapy to get relief.

2. This is a big domino: once the entire nation has the opportunity to receive some sort of acupuncture coverage, your insurance companies will begin to pay out too. And that's a good thing if you want your affordable health care alternative to be even more affordable.

So please please please let your Congressmen know what you want.

Go to this link and in 30 seconds or so, you'll be able to e-mail a letter:

http://www.rallycongress.com/aaaom/

Thanks!!!

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Need to regulate your hormones?

For most women these days, Estrogen Dominance is a very pressing reality.

The amount of plastics we use, the polluted air we breathe and even the high content of soy in our diets (read your food labels)contribute to higher levels of estrogen production.

As a result, there's a good chance that you may have issues with Estrogen Dominance.

So what does that mean?

Well, it could vary - depending on how severe your hormone balance has been thrown off.

On the more moderate side of estrogen dominance you could experience problems like
PMS
Irritability
Fatigue
Acceleration of the Aging Process
Allergies

More disconcerting, you may also experience:

Migraines
PCOS
Uterine Fibroids
Breast Cancer
Infertility
Endometriosis


While this all sounds pretty grave, there's no reason to reach for that progesterone cream or spend oodles of bucks getting scopes and surgeries.

You CAN get acupuncture and actually balance this hormonal issue out.

I'm serious. It happens all the time with patients in my clinic. They come in, make themselves feel good and less stressed out with some acupuncture and end up with balanced hormones in the process!

And this could be you too! Give it a try.

Acupuncture Regulates Pain!

The University of Michigan is pretty cool. It's in Ann Arbor, a fun town, and it's got some great school spirit and character. But it's become even cooler in my eyes because of a recent study that they published about acupuncture.

These guys used brain imaging to prove that acupuncture actually causes the brain to regulate pain more efficiently.

Check out the link below to read more:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160334.php

Nausea and Vomitting Anyone?

During the first year of my master's degree for Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese medicine, one of my teachers would always tell us:

"When you get out into the world and you're treating your first few patients, don't worry... even if you have trouble fixing their problem, your patients will always come off the table with improved digestion."

This advice has stuck with me through the years. Fortunately, most of my patients find success and wellness... but whenever someone comes in with a digestive issue I always know that they've finally come to the right health care provider.

IBS, constipation, GERD, nausea and vomitting can all be treated with acupuncture.

In fact, here's a few articles for you to "digest":

for post surgery nausea and vomitting:

http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=93046

for Crohn's disease:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15114043?ordinalpos=8&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum


for dry mouth/ xerostomia from Radiation treatment:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15114043?ordinalpos=8&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

for GERD/ acid reflux:

http://www.reflux.org/reflux/webdoc01.nsf/(vwWebPage)/ElectricalAcupuncture.htm?OpenDocument

and

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15114043?ordinalpos=8&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Obama Supports Acupuncture

While it may come as a surprise to you, it is no secret that Oriental medicine is the most widely used form of medicine in the world.

No, I'm not kidding.

Acupuncture is everywhere and people keep coming back for more.

The United States, notoriously behind in the health care business, is going to start loving it and using it more and more too.

Don't believe me?

Check out Obama voicing his support:

http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/mpacms/at/article.php?id=31983

Acupuncture For Menopause

If you're always the person in the room telling all the ladies how fabulous you feel and how menopause has been a breeze, then you can stop reading this post right now because everyone is jealous and you don't need this info.

But

If menopause is an issue for you, then you may be able to find some relief that doesn't involve taking Prempro or some other medication for ever and ever.

In my clinic, I'm seeing menopause success stories weekly. No more soaking your pjs, opening the windows on a winter's day or calling your son by the dog's name (well, I guess we all have slip ups from time to time though, with or without menopause).

Lest you think I am making this up, there are actually clinical trials out there touting the efficacy of acupuncture. Check it out:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19423996

Induce Labor Naturally

It can be rough at the very end of pregnancy... I know 2 weeks before my due date I would have ripped all of my hair out if someone told me it would induce labor.

Fortunately, there's an easier, painless and natural way to do it, ladies.

Acupuncture.

Seriously. It's been raining babies over here at St John Acupuncture.

Whether you've gone over your due date or your OB or healthcare practitioner has a reason for you to go into labor a little earlier Acupuncture is for you.

It's safe and it works like a charm. Plus, it can help you avoid Pitocin and some the of chain of events that can follow during labor.

So if you're ready to burst, definitely give me a call.

Cloth Diapers

Cloth Diapers are the way to go. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but you can save them for your next baby or resell them to another family.

What's more, they're not like the cloth diapers your mom had to use. They're much more hassle free, low on mess factor and cute (no really, cloth diapers can be cute).

I love to use prefolds with Thirsties or Bummis covers, but Bum Genius makes an awesome one size all-in-one and you can always count on a pocket diaper to give you extra absorption. My favorite local website to visit is

http://www.babybootywear.com/

Acupuncture for Runners

If you're an athlete, you may be interested in optimizing your performance.

Check out this article about acupuncture for marathon runners!

http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/diet_and_fitness/article6114595.ece

Pilates

After giving birth to my amazing daughter on Christmas day, I felt like a ball of dough. During pregnancy, my stomach muscles had softened in order to make room for the baby. What's more, I had forgone my usual work out routine for a walking regimen. This left me feeling pretty jiggly all over.

My solution: Pilates

It's been about a month since I began and I can really feel the difference. My abdominal muscles and tightened back up and my posture isn't half bad either. What's more, my low back feels really strong.

For me, pilates does more than address my physical well being. When my back is strong and my posture is great, I feel mentally prepared to face my daily obstacles. It doesn't hurt that I look a lot better in a pair of jeans either...

If you're looking for a great pilates instructor, make sure that they are addressing your weak or previously injured areas with care and checking your form along the way.

I love my instructor Wendy Oliver at Genuine Pilates in Charlotte. She's great with managing her clients individual bodies and I'm really getting results.

Check out http://www.genuinepilates.org/index.html to learn more.

Get Moving

It’s getting warm out there again and you have every reason to get outside and enjoy yourself. Becoming active in the springtime can be a challenge, especially after a few months of winter couch time. But Charlotte has plenty of beautiful nature trails and walking paths all around town. Check out this link to the Mecklenburg Co. Greenways and find a great place to walk or bike near your house:

http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Greenways/Home.htm

Asparagus

It’s springtime again and asparagus is making its debut on the vegetable scene once more. This densely nutritious food is chalk full of folic acid, potassium, fiber, thiamin, vitamin B6 and vitamins A and C. What’s more, asparagus has not cholesterol, no fat and low sodium.

This plant is a member of the Lily family and its spears grown upwards from a crown that is planted about a foot under the soil. Typically, the spears are not harvested until 3 years after a crown has been planted in order to ensure the growth of a strong root system.

When picking asparagus at your local market, keep in mind that the larger the diameter of the spears, the better the quality.

Around this time of year, we make asparagus our favorite side dish at the dinner table.

Roasting is a great way to prepare this dish and you can add a few other ingredients to the mix to make this the most quickly disappearing dish on the table.

We add a spoonful of Earth Balance natural spread and season the spears with salt and pepper before sticking them in the oven at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Around halfway through the roast, we roll the spears over in the pan and make sure they get an even coating of spread and seasoning. It’s easy and delicious!