Consultation with Kerry Goodwin

Safety of Acupuncture in Pregnancy

Posted on by Kerry Goodwin in News

Are you a birth worker or healthcare provider working with antenatal and postnatal patients? Have you wondered if acupuncture can be a beneficial modality to safely recommend to your patients? With acupuncture, we have historical evidence in addition to well conducted studies and formal analysis to show its safe and effective use during pregnancy. Two systematic reviews show adverse reactions were described as minor, and were comparable to non-acupuncture therapies. Another key takeaway from a systematic review by Park et al assessing the safety states acupuncture during pregnancy is found to be safe when applied correctly. Education and training matters! It is imperative to find a provider that specializes in perinatal health with extensive training in providing maternity acupuncture.

Additional reassurance is found in statements from ACOG and RCOG (American and Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynecology) where acupuncture is listed in their clinical guidelines as a safe modality in a variety of conditions during pregnancy.

  1. Park, J., Sohn, Y., White, A. R., & Lee, H. (2014). The safety of acupuncture during pregnancy: a systematic review. Acupunct Med, 32(3), 257-266. doi:10.1136/acupmed-2013-010480
  2. Clarkson CE, O’Mahony D, Jones DE. Adverse event reporting in studies of penetrating acupuncture during pregnancy: a systematic review. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2015;94(5):453–464. doi:10.1111/aogs.12587

Tracking Your Fertile Days

Posted on by Kerry Goodwin in News

A guide to basal body temperatures, ovulation predictor test kits, and cervical fluid.

I get asked a lot of questions in my practice when working with patients to optimize their fertility. For example:

“How come my basal body temperature chart does not line up with my increase in cervical fluid and a positive ovulation predictor test kit (OPK for short).”

 Or, “I don’t know when or if I’m ovulating so how can I possibly know when the right time to have intercourse is.”  

Or, “My cervical fluid changes and my temperature rises several days before I get a positive OPK.”  

You can see where I am going with this. It can be really tricky to determine when is the best time to conceive! The first step in the process is really getting to know your body. We are going to do a deep dive into how to properly read and assess your cervical fluid, basal body temperature chart, and your OPK and most importantly when is the best time to conceive.

What is an Ovulation Predictor Test Kit?

First it’s helpful to understand exactly what is an ovulation predictor test kit. This test will help determine when ovulation may be approaching. It measures the amount of luteinizing hormone, or LH, in the urine towards the end of the follicular phase. LH is is produced in the pituitary as the dominant follicle ripens, LH surges right before the egg is released. The OPK is best used between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. and not using the first morning urine.  It’s also helpful to make sure you do not drink too much water beforehand as it will dilute the LH. Once you have a positive OPK you will likely ovulate within 12 to 48 hours. It is helpful to use the OPK in conjunction with the BBT (basal body temperature) especially if cervical mucus is not very strong.

What is your Basal Body Temperature or BBT?

Basal body temperature or BBT chart records the temperature of the body upon waking, a time when the body is deeply rested and metabolism and temperature is at its baseline. The temperature will begin to rise once a woman has ovulated and begins to produce progesterone. Historically, the BBT started in the Catholic religion in menstrual charting to detect the body’s rhythm. It’s helpful to have at least three months of temperature charts to see the consecutive changes in the temperature so you can see when the rise is occurring to track ovulation. All you need to take your BBT is a digital thermometer and a piece of paper, however now there are many great apps that you fill in your temp daily to see your monthly pattern. There are also trackers, like the Ava bracelet, that will do all the work for you. The temperature should be taken first thing in the morning before doing anything else. Note that temps are very sensitive to poor sleep, alcohol, and stress and will impact the temp each day. Temps will be most accurate when you have had three to four hours of consecutive sleep.

It’s important to note that BBT’s do not predict ovulation, they can only tell you that ovulation has already occurred. OPK’s will help you predict that ovulation will occur within the window of 12 to 48 hours. It is also helpful to know that hormone levels are constantly changing and LH can vary woman to woman in how long it remains at its peak. Some women experience mini-surges of LH prior to ovulation and some women don’t produce enough to be detected on the OPK but are still ovulating. Remember when I said to use the OPK it later in the day? This is because LH begins to rise in the morning so it will not be as strong as it is at 2 p.m., and the time your LH surges may vary. In some women it may last less than 24 hours.  if you’re only testing one time per day at 2 p.m. but the peak is occurring at 7 p.m., you will miss it. This is why it is important to test up to three times per day if you suspect you will be ovulating soon.

What is cervical mucus and how to I determine it’s quality?

Cervical mucus is another helpful sign to determine when ovulation is approaching.  Observing this will help you learn more about your body and when conception can take place.  There are four types of cervical mucus, G, L, S, and P. When estrogen peaks, it stimulates the production of cervical mucus, generally starting six days before ovulation. During the “dry” times of your cycle, when there is little moisture or fluid being produced from the vagina fertility is lower. This is when G type is present, it is impenetrable by sperm. As you approach ovulation, more liquid is produced moving from G to L type when the discharge will be more sticky and wet and finally to stretchy and slippery or egg white (S type). The S type mixes with the L type to make spinnbarkeit, or spinn. Next the mucus loses its stretch as the cervix produces P type that is very lubricative and slippery to aid the sperm during the most fertile day. It is helpful to recognize the changes in the fertile mucus because it precedes ovulation and can help you determine your most fertile days. The last day of cervical mucus is the peak day or best time for conceiving as it is the day of or day before the egg is released. Cervical fluids job is to help get the sperm inside the reproductive tract before the egg is released showing that the best time for intercourse is two days before ovulation.

A few final things to keep in mind. Previous birth control use may impair cervical mucus causing the body to only produce G type stopping the sperm from making it through the cervix despite ovulation occurring. Many medications can inhibit fertilization, this includes antibiotics, NSAIDs, antidepressants, antihistamines, and clomid.

How does Chinese Medicine fit in with tracking your fertility?

As an acupuncturist one of our greatest strengths is to see what is happening inside the body by watching or feeling what is happening on the outside of the body. This is done through taking pulse, looking at your tongue, a detailed intake, and palpation. In fertility, we look closely at the change in temperature throughout the whole cycle, not just during ovulation. We also discuss the cervical mucus, any symptoms that arise before menses and then what is happening during a woman’s bleed. All of these signs together can give us detailed information on how the body is performing and what may be happening hormonally. It is for this reason that the BBT will mean more to a Chinese medicine practitioner than to a Western specialist.  

Chinese medicine is also very beneficial to help encourage the body’s production of cervical mucus by nourishing blood and yin in the first half of the cycle (day 3 to 14) and by boosting yang in the second half (day 15 to the start of the period). If the cycles are irregular, it can also help to bring the cycle back to the optimal length of 26 to 33 days and can help regulate the temperature. When the temperature is too high or too low, it is a sign that something is out of balance. It will also detect what may be happening if either the follicular or luteal phase is to short or too long. If the follicular phase is too short, it is likely that the egg is unable to fully develop and if the luteal phase is too short it is likely there is insufficient progesterone to support a pregnancy. This can be treated by acupuncture and herbal medicine. Your practitioner will support you by treating you according to your cycle and recommending specific lifestyle and dietary changes as well as Chinese and western herbs to regulate the cycle and optimize fertility.  

I hope this guide helps you better determine how to track ovulation during your cycle!

Resource:

Lyttleton, Jane. Treatment of Infertility with Chinese Medicine. Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, 2013.

 

Thriving In the Postpartum Phase

Posted on by Kerry Goodwin in News

The first few months following the birth of your beautiful baby hold many new experiences and changes. You spend the whole length of your pregnancy taking great care of your body to prepare yourself for labor and delivery then once the baby comes, it seems as though there is little to no time to think about self care and your own well being. While taking care of your new baby is, of course, the first priority, it is also important to consider how these first few months will affect the next several years and any future pregnancies.

Chinese Practice of “Sitting-In”

In Chinese culture many women practice “sitting” for the first month of pregnancy, this is known as zuo yue zi. The family provides support, including cooking, cleaning, and assisting with daily chores and activities. The mother rests. Doesn’t that sound refreshing? She avoids strenuous exercise and activities and eats a diet rich in protein. Not only does this support her qi and blood and restores her body, she experiences the added benefit of close bonding with her baby. Many women who try this or a modified version of it, find that it reduces postpartum symptoms and allows them to be more energetic throughout the years which follow. This model also supports the postpartum phase of their next pregnancy, leaving their bodies strong and healthy.

Whole-Body Healing

Making time for yourself during this phase will revitalize you: mind, body, and spirit. You will find yourself help more present and attentive to your baby. Regular acupuncture and postnatal massage visits are a great way to support this initial recovery. Following are just some of the benefits: reduced stress, balanced hormones, better milk production, decreased postpartum anxiety and depression, better sleep, decreased muscle spasms, pain and tension, fewer night sweats, and more thorough healing of scar tissue.

Mother Warming

Acupuncture also uses a technique called mother warming that is often used when a cesarean birth has been necessary. Using the technique moxibustion, or art of heat therapy, helps to heal scars and prevent infection. Moxibustion is also used during this time to build blood if there was blood loss or tearing during delivery. Chinese medicine and acupuncture will also use Chinese herbs and postpartum tonics to build the qi and blood during this time especially after a difficult and long delivery.

If you are awaiting the birth of your baby, now is a great time to set up a treatment plan with your practitioner to make sure you have the best support system in place to thrive in the postpartum phase.

 

Dampness and Fluid Metabolism

Posted on by Kerry Goodwin in News

Is all this rain we’ve had lately making you feel a soggy mess? Just like the vegetation outside, our bodies can hold on to excess water and leave us feeling heavy and damp inside.  Dampness can cause a host of unwanted symptoms: fatigue and fog, worsened allergic rhinitis, digestive problems, increased joint pain, and edema in the lower body.

In Chinese medicine dampness is a condition related to an inability to properly metabolize fluids. The organs directly related to metabolism of fluids are the spleen, kidney, triple burner, and the lungs. The spleen is an organ of digestion; its job is to transform and transport all the food and drink we consume and provide nutrients to the body. When the spleen is weak the result is poor digestion, fatigue, foggy mind, loose stools, gas, bloating, increased phlegm, low appetite, and edema. The spleen is greatly affected by poor food choices which puts even more stress on an already stressed spleen. As to the kidney, if the qi and yang is weak and fluid metabolism is affected, there may be problems with urination and edema. When dampness accumulates it sinks to the lower body.  In my practice I see that the spleen is primarily affected when damp conditions arise outside taking an already out of balance body even further out of balance.

Now what can you do to combat this dampness! Chinese medicine, through the use of acupuncture and heat therapy or moxibustion, powerfully boosts the spleen qi and its ability to transform and transport fluids, optimize digestion, boost yang qi and drain the dampness from the body. Chinese herbs are another terrific way to treat dampness lurking in the body. Herbs are chosen specifically for each patient to drain or dry the dampness and boost the spleen and harmonize digestive function. If you have a tendency toward a weak spleen from a stressful lifestyle, poor diet, weak digestion, or chronic illness, the damp weather will aggravate your condition so it’s important to make optimal dietary changes and schedule regular acupuncture visits.

Food therapy is my number one choice in practice to help strengthen the organs of fluid metabolism and bring your body back into balance. Foods to focus on to support the spleen and leach out dampness include corn, celery, watermelon, brown rice, barley, oats, kidney and adzuki beans, lemon, organic meats, whole fruits in moderation (not juice), sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, raspberry leaf tea, seafood, nutmeg, thyme, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and fennel. Foods to avoid are just as important; these include dairy of all types, tofu, bananas, refined sugar, alcohol, fried foods, raw foods, and cold or iced drinks.  Encourage warm cooked foods, especially when there is weak digestion, and if cooking during the summer months just isn’t for you, eating foods at room temperature is a great alternative.

Other important ways to boost the spleen qi and resolve dampness are to chew your food thoroughly and focus only on your meal or snack and not multitasking while eating. Seek out joy each day, relax and properly manage stress in your life. Enjoy sweets in moderation and focus on warm and cooked foods.

We cannot control the weather nor stop the rain, but we can make the right choices when it comes to what we are putting in our body to impact our health and wellbeing. But I’m hopeful the rain will stop soon and allow the sun to come out and help dry up some of the dampness outside!

Are your springtime allergies making you miserable?

Posted on by Kerry Goodwin in News

Are your springtime allergies making you miserable? Every year we welcome budding trees, flowers, longer days, and sunny afternoons in the park with open arms. Especially this year when it seemed winter would NEVER end. But for some of us this also means a trip to the pharmacy to pick up some Zyrtec and Allegra just to make it through the day. Sometimes these over the counter antihistamines barely touch our symptoms of itchy watery eyes, noses that feel like a constantly running faucet, sneezing, wheezing, and often a pesky persistent cough.  The good news is relief can come in surprising places! Queue your weekly acupuncture session!

Treating Allergies with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have been proven to be just as effective if not more effective than these over the counter treatments. And better yet, they work just as quickly! This year I had a taste of my own medicine when I was immediately plagued with allergy symptoms. I have been lucky to have avoided the plague of allergies throughout my life until moving to the South. New flora means new symptoms… instead of running to the pharmacy, I tried a Chinese herbal remedy and within just a few hours I noticed a HUGE difference. I also put a few needles in my face on points to treat allergy symptoms. My eyes no longer felt like sandpaper, my nose stopped dripping, no more sneezing, and my headaches stopped! I can say for certain that Chinese medicine definitely saved the day!  

In Chinese medicine springtime allergies, or allergic rhinitis, are seen as the invasion of the external pathogenic factor wind and the blockage of qi to the nose. Allergies can be an excess or deficiency pattern. If one is deficient the wei qi, or defensive qi, is not strong enough to protect the body from invasion of the wind or if there is excess it may be exacerbated by heat or dampness lurking in the body. Some people find that allergies trigger their asthma making breathing difficult or labored. Here acupuncture will work to support the lungs and relieve asthmatic symptoms quickly providing necessary relief. The points selected to treat allergies open the nose, stop the cough, alleviate redness and itchiness in the eyes, and have an antihistamine effect. In the herbal formulas a similar approach is used; certain herbs like Bo He (mint) open the nose and brighten the eyes,Cang Er Zi (xanthium fruit) disperses wind and dampness, Xin Yi Hua (magnolia flower) expels wind and opens the nose, Fang Feng (siler) releases the exterior and expels wind, Bai Zhi (angelica root) expels wind and damp and relieves headache and pain.  

Allergy Support for Pregnant Women

Another benefit of acupuncture for allergies is the support it offers for pregnant mamas.  Even though Zyrtec is thought to be safe during pregnancy, many women choose not to use any over the counter medications. Many acupuncture points that provide relief are safe during pregnancy and help alleviate these symptoms when it seems nothing else will.

Additional steps to take that will improve allergies include using an air purifier in your bedroom at night while you sleep, supporting your microbiome and gut flora with probiotics or fermented foods at each meal, supporting your organs of elimination- the liver and large intestine, and taking a shower before bed so that your pillows and sheets are not covered in pollen, dust, or dander.

If you’re looking to relieve allergy symptoms without pharmaceutical antihistamines, allergy shots, or medication let you acupuncturist know and she will help you to get the most enjoyment out of the beautiful springtime weather!

Healthy Sleep Hygiene

Posted on by Kerry Goodwin in News

When we hear the word hygiene, we rarely think of it in terms of our sleep, but in reality the two are closely linked. Healthy sleep hygiene can make an enormous difference in both the amount of sleep and the depth of sleep we experience. It will also encourage our bodies to fall asleep faster and stay asleep as well as decrease the length of time we spend awake if you do happen to wake up.

In March I was able to attend a continuing education course on sleep and dreams from a Chinese Medicine perspective. The instructor brought to light just how important what we do before bed is and all the best ways to encourage a deeper night’s sleep. Below is a list of ‘best practices’ to ensure you wake well rested tomorrow!

  • Stick to a consistent sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time everyday even on the weekends. Here the goal is to establish distinctions between night and day; your body will respond.
  • If you suffer from insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, or difficulty staying asleep, avoid caffeine and alcohol. Alcohol will initially help you to fall asleep but will wake you up in the middle of the night because the liver will be working on processing the alcohol while you sleep instead of focusing on the other essential biochemical processes.
  • No naps! Now this may be surprising but this can greatly impact your sleep at night. If you do need to nap, keep it 20 minutes or less and only during the hours of 3 to 5 PM.
  • Do not go to bed unless you are sleepy.
  • The bed is only to be used for sleep or sex, this means no eating, reading, or watching tv in bed.
  • Keep your bedroom quiet, relaxing, and cool to ensure the most comfortable environment possible. Avoid playing music.
  • Keep your phone or computer away from your head while you sleep; limiting EMFs is essential to promoting a healthy sleep environment.
  • Turn off all overhead lights at dusk and use lamps the rest of the evening; keep lights on only in the rooms you are in.
  • Get sun exposure everyday if possible.
  • Allow 3 to 4 hours between dinner and bedtime, if you need a snack choose yogurt and fruit.
  • Keep vigorous activity limited to the daytime and gentle exercise only in the evenings.

If you are still experiencing difficulty falling or staying asleep after trying these recommendations for a great night sleep try acupuncture! Chinese medicine is beneficial to treating the root cause of the disease allowing the body to use its innate ability to heal itself.  Often a course of weekly treatments of acupuncture and Chinese herbs will improve sleep greatly within 4 to 6 weeks.

Chinese Medicine is More Than Just Acupuncture

Posted on by Kerry Goodwin in News

Do you have ‘needle phobia’ yet remain curious as to what all the buzz is around acupuncture? Do you fear your system is too sensitive or delicate to receive acupuncture.  Odds are you know someone who swears it cured their migraines, regulated their digestion, helped them get pregnant, alleviated their shoulder pain, and/or allowed them to finally get a good night’s sleep. What if you hate needles and lying on a table with them stuck in at various locations on your body sounds like the furthest thing from relaxing. Most of us dislike needles because having blood drawn or getting a shot at the doctor raises our blood pressure and sometimes causes a bit of nausea or may even cause us to faint. The truth is most acupuncture needles are hair thin and you may not even feel them go in. Once they are in they are incredibly calming and promotes a deep sense of relaxation, allowing your body to melt into the table. But what if I told you you could get acupuncture without ever having a needle put in!

Acupuncture is just one modality in Chinese Medicine. As a Chinese medicine practitioner, I have many tools available to utilize in healing the body. Other modalities include herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, gua sha, tuina, shiatsu, and nutrition. Most acupuncturists combine different modalities to meet each patient’s needs to achieve the desired goals of treatment to heal the body. Cupping is a therapy using glass cups that are applied to the skin using heat as suction and then moved along the body.  It stimulates the flow of qi and blood to help alleviate pain. Cupping is also detoxifying, allowing congestion below the surface of the body to be drawn out and released. I like to use cupping for chronic upper respiratory infections to support the lungs and relieve chronic cough.  

Moxibustion

Moxibustion, or moxa for short, is the art of heat therapy and can be used with or without needles. Moxa is made of the herb ai ye, or mugwort. It can be used indirectly (away from the skin) or directly (placed on the skin) and is burned to achieve a desired level of warmth that is very penetrating and healing for the body. Moxa may be placed directly over an acupuncture point or moved along a channel. This is especially helpful for women who experience painful menses, fibroids, cysts, menstrual cramps, infertility, and breech positioned babies. In my practice I find that there are few things that moxa cannot treat. Moxa is also used to strengthen the blood, treat anemia or blood deficiency, encourage the flow of qi and blood, and maintain general health.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine is another one of my favorite modalities to use in practice.  Combining herbs with acupuncture is a wonderful way to facilitate healing the body. There are hundreds of formulas used in practice, instead of using single herbs alone, they are made into formulas to enhance their positive effects and can be tailored to each patients individual needs.

Nutrition Therapy

Using nutrition therapy in practice is another great way to support the body’s ability to heal itself.  After all, food is medicine! Here each food has a particular flavor, temperature, and nature in the body. Adding specific foods to your daily regimen can help build your blood, encourage optimal digestion, and balance the body.

If you have been on the fence about trying acupuncture because of the needles, it’s time to put that aside and make an appointment. A good practitioner will work with you so that you feel comfortable and support you in your journey to live a fuller healthier life. Be well!

Acupuncture Magic – Why is it so good at treating pain?

Posted on by Kerry Goodwin in News

Have you ever wondered why acupuncture is so effective?  Especially at treating pain?

If you have ever experienced long term chronic pain, you know how debilitating it can be, both emotionally and physically. It can take its toll on your day to day life, robbing joy from ordinary activities and impacting sleep. With all the media attention surrounding the opioid epidemic, multiple articles have touted the benefits of acupuncture and Chinese medicine for pain. There have been thousands of medical trials comparing opioid use to acupuncture and Chinese medicine always ranks as one of the most effective ways to relieve pain without the use of pharmaceuticals. Studies have shown acupuncture reduces pain by at least 50% compared to other interventions. Not only does acupuncture get to the source of the problem, it also helps to calm the parasympathetic nervous system and calm the mind to address the emotional aspect of the condition.

Acupuncture works by inserting hair thin needles into specific areas of the body to change the flow of qi or energy, encourage blood flow, reduce inflammation, and unblock stagnation below the surface.  It will ease pain by affecting neurotransmitters, hormone levels, and the immune system.  Needle insertion also triggers a change in brain physiology, this change will increase the release of endorphins and will lessen the sensation of pain the body experiences.

It’s also important to remember that acupuncture is cumulative and that the conditions being treated didn’t develop overnight. Consequently, weekly treatments are important for chronic pain conditions to see the greatest benefit.

We have been conditioned to think that the use of ice will alleviate pain. In Chinese medicine we believe ice is harmful unless used in the most acute situations within the first three hours.  The use of heat will encourage blood flow to the area, whereas cold will constrict, contract, and reduce the flow of blood.  Introduction of cold into the body creates an imbalance internally which leads to other problems in the long term.  

In my practice I have treated many patients for pain and regardless of where the injury is – acupuncture always helps.  I encourage the use of other modalities as well such as physical therapy if needed, dietary therapy, exercise, and herbal remedies.  Are you living with chronic pain and looking for support?  Make an appointment; see what acupuncture has to offer!  You will not only be surprised by the pain relief you experience, you also will experience the added benefits of relaxation, stress reduction, regulating digestion, better sleep, and uplifted mood!

What Does Iron Deficiency Look Like and Are You Getting Enough?

Posted on by Kerry Goodwin in News

Do you experience extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, weak immune system, rapid heartbeat, cold hands and feet, poor concentration or memory, restless leg syndrome, dry, dull or brittle hair,Lentils brittle or spoon shaped nails, and have a pale complexion? These are all symptoms of iron deficiency anemia. While there are several types of anemia, iron deficiency anemia is the most widespread. Other less common symptoms are cravings for non food items like dirt, clay, cornstarch, paint chips, cardboard, or cleaning supplies. While these all sound strange they aren’t all that uncommon. Other less discussed symptoms are cracking in the corners of the mouth, known as angular chelitis, a swollen tongue causing difficulty swallowing, constant craving to chew ice, and tingling in your legs.

Iron is incredibly important for our health; it is an essential mineral that is key for transporting oxygen through the hemoglobin in our blood to provide nourishment to our tissues. When we don’t have enough hemoglobin, our red blood cell count will drop making it difficult for our tissues to get the oxygen they need leading to fatigue. This is especially important for women as we often suffer from iron deficiency more than men, and if you’re pregnant, this is a greater risk to you and your baby.

Iron deficiency is the number one nutrient deficiency in the world. According to the World Health Organization over 30% of the population suffers from this deficiency and 10% of women are iron deficient according to the CDC. It is recommended that women get up to 18 grams of iron per day and men need 8 grams per day, but never exceeding 45 gr as this can be toxic and lead to nausea or vomiting. Infants and toddlers need more iron than adults and if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding your daily intake will also increase. As women reach menopause our daily needs decrease down to 8 gr per day.

So… food first right? Well, not always. While I generally encourage my patients to use food as medicine first before supplementation, it is not always possible.

While this recommended daily allowance is easily achieved through diet, sometimes iron supplementation is necessary. Eating iron rich foods will help, especially when combined with blood nourishing Chinese herbal formulas, but it’s important to consider that the lack of iron in your diet may not be the problem Here we need to consider whether your body is absorbing the iron. This may be due to specific lifestyles like a vegan or vegetarian diet that may not provide enough. It’s also important to consider that strenuous exercise destroys red blood cells putting more active individuals at risk. There are many reputable nutritional supplement companies making iron supplements as well as food based forms, however making sure you have the correct dosage is key. And when in doubt, when you begin supplementing start with a lower dose and increase gradually.

In Chinese medicine the diagnosis of blood deficiency or blood and qi deficiency overlaps with iron deficiency type anemia as do many of the symptoms. Blood deficiency is described as excessive blood loss without sufficient replacement or inadequate digestion which may lead to the inability use the nutrients we’re eating to make rich and nourished blood. Specializing in women’s health, I see this a lot in my practice. Especially with excessive blood loss during labor or with heavy menstrual bleeding. The good news is through either adding iron rich foods in combination with Chinese herbal formulas or adding iron supplements, I see the blood become more nourished within 2 to 3 months.

Many dietary recommendations I make come from three primary sources of food, including meat which provides 1 to 5 milligrams in a modest portion, fruit, nuts, and legumes provide around 1 to 3 milligrams, and wheat products containing 1 to 2 milligrams. Many sources come from animal protein, organ meats, nuts, seafood, fruits, dark leafy greens, and starchy vegetables, as well as wheat products. When using foods to supplement iron, we need about 3 to 4 milligrams of iron per meal. For example, 3 ounces of beef contains 3 grams of iron, ½ cup of chickpeas contains 3 grams, ½ cup of spinach contains 2.4 grams, one egg contains 1 gram, 10 to 12 raw almonds contain 7 grams.

With all of these foods, everyone is certain to find something they like that will fulfill the dietary recommendation. And in practice I find combining the dietary recommendations with Chinese herbal formulas to be most effective unless supplementation is required. If you suspect you suffer from iron deficiency anemia, make an appointment with your acupuncturist today!

As always, consult with your primary care physician before adding any new supplementation to your regimen! Be well!

How to stay healthy this season with Chinese Medicine

Posted on by Kerry Goodwin in News

Oftentimes the older, more traditional method is simpler and more natural.

 

Today’s blog post is brought to you by the common cold, as I sit here at my kitchen table (in my pj’s, on a Tuesday)  wishing I was not sick and definitely surrounded by the mountain of tissues and cups of tea I see around me I am filled with ideas to share with you on how to stay healthy.  It is however the season for sniffles and sore throats when we stock up on tea, lozenges, cold and flu medicine, but how do we know that these investments are healthy, safe to take, or even going to make a difference?  These are important questions, especially during pregnancy, when the immune systems are working extra hard to keep us at peak performance!  Below are some great ideas to consider if you find yourself in the same position as me this season.

You probably already know that I’m going to tell you acupuncture is a great way to stimulate and promote a healthy immune system, and it is!  it is also a great way to shorten the duration of a cold or the flu.  This is especially true when caught at the very first sign of symptoms like runny nose, cough, sore throat, HA, itchy eyes, fever, chills, should I go on. . . acupuncture can stop it from fully developing at all!  Did you also know that women are more likely to get sick right before and during our period.

Chinese herbs can also be very beneficial for warding off a cold at the first signs of symptoms as well.  But how about if you’re caught off guard and wake up all of a sudden to feeling lousy, how can you make sure it doesn’t take you down especially right before the holiday season!  Lots of adequate rest, plenty of fluids, a good multi vitamin on a regular basis, a diet full of vibrant colors and whole healthy foods are the obvious ones.  Some not so obvious ideas include moxibustion at home, trying a nette pot, a steam bath, or sipping on congee.  

It’s also important to remember to stay warm, wear socks or slippers, wear a scarf or make sure to keep the back of your neck covered when in drafty spaces or outside on a windy day.  In Chinese medicine there is a specific acupuncture point located at the base of your neck on your back; this is a very important point and when left uncovered while outdoors on a windy day can leave you more susceptible to getting sick or catching a cold.  Remember how your mother always told you “don’t go outside with wet hair or you will get sick,” well it’s sort of like that.  When we leave our bodies susceptible to the cold or wind, or when we are run down our pores are open and resistance is lower allowing the wind and cold to come into our bodies and make us sick.  This can lead to those nasty symptoms listed above.  

Moxibustion is a terrific thing that can be done at home and is safe during pregnancy when there are signs of a common cold or flu.  Moxa comes from the herb mugwort, known as Ai Ye in Chinese medicine.  There are many forms of moxa, but for home use the smokeless moxa is the best option; it is used to create a warming sensation and deeply penetrate warmth into the body and can be used on specific acupuncture points.  My favorite point to use moxa for immune function is St-36.  
Click Here

 

You can find a great moxibustion instruction sheet right here 3-guidelines-for-using-moxa

Important things to remember when using moxa at home, NEVER touch the skin directly!  It can be applied 5 to 7 minutes at the point above until it feels very warm, never to the point of painfully hot.

I hope you find these ideas as helpful as I do when I’m stuck at home with a cold!  Here’s to a healthy and happy holiday season!