ACUPRESSURE: SELF CARE to EASE STRESS & ANXIETY
WHAT IS THAT POINT?: YIN TANG
There are hundreds of acupuncture points on the body. And one popular point that you often see in acupuncture images or receive during treatment is Yin Tang. Yin Tang is also knows as the Hall of Impressions. It is located between the inner eyebrows and is also known as the third eye area. It can be used for headaches, allergies, sinuses, vertigo, heavy sensation in the head, anxiety, insomnia, stress, and eye disorders.
Lately I've been focusing more on what I put into my body. I came across a phrase a few months ago which stated..."we are basically a house plant with complicated emotions." I definitely believe we are more than house plants with complicated emotions, but we could learn a lot from nature. We are nourished by our inner and outer environment. So in order to experience a fulfilling healthy life we should be aware of how we nurture ourselves and make changes accordingly.
As we approach summer, we head into a season where the heat of the summer months can bring joy and laughter as well a anxiety and low energy-yin & yang. In Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) the summer is ruled by the fire element. According to TCM dietary theory there are foods that have effects on the mind, body, and spirit as the seasons change. These are just a few foods you can incorporate.
Reishi Mushroom: used to settle the nerves and improve fluid balance. Soothes the spirit and calms the mind.
Jujube Fruit: helps with anxiety and insomnia.
Mulberries: calming effect on the mind and aids in concentration.
Chamomile: aides in sleep and relaxation.
Reference: Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition by Paul Pitchford.
Acupuncture for Postpartum Recovery
I wish I could say I took care of myself properly during the postpartum period, but I didn't. At least not the way I would have liked to. My daughter is 18 months old and I still feel in some ways I am recovering from childbirth.
While some women have heard of the benefits of acupuncture to prepare for pregnancy and during pregnancy, I wanted to share some awesome ways acupuncture can help you recover after childbirth.
Body Aches
Giving birth is a big deal. Medicated or non medicated your entire body just gave way to another human! In the days after birth your muscles are sore and healing. Acupuncture can help alleviate muscle tension and pain.
Constipation
It is common to experience constipation after child birth. A study involving people with chronic and frequent constipation revealed after an eight week course of treatment participants an increase in bowel movements each week.
Fatigue
During an acupuncture session people tend to drift off to sleep or experience a deep sense of relaxation. After the treatment its common to leave rested and energized. All mothers can agree that after childbirth a little rest goes a long way.
Stress, Anxiety, & Depression
In a 2013 article in the Journal of Endocrinology, a study showed acupuncture treatments regulated hormone levels responsible for the fight or flight response. Often times new patients are nervous about the thought of the needles. But after an initial session patients quickly come to look forward to the relaxation, calm, and relief of an acupuncture session.
Breastfeeding
The experience of a sudden or gradual dip in your milk supply can be stressful. Acupuncture and acupressure can help to stimulate milk volume in mothers who breastfeed. Several studies have shown specific acupuncture points stimulated increased milk supply.
If you would like to learn more about how acupuncture can assist in your postpartum recovery schedule a free consultation!