Reflexology – Page 2 – Elder Cottage Clinic, Warton, PR4

More on Endometriosis

March 1, 2024February 4, 2025 by JMReflex, posted in Reflexology

Endometriosis comes from the retrograde menstrual blood flow. This means that when we menstruate, some of the uterine shedding doesn’t flow downwards and out through the vagina; some of it will move up through the Fallopian tubes and into the ovary, and sometimes beyond and into the pelvic cavity.

These pieces of the endometrium are then implanted outside of the uterus, and will bleed during subsequent menses. This means that there is menstrual blood outside of the uterus which the body sees as a foreign invader; the body doesn’t recognise it outside of the uterine cavity. This creates inflammation and pain, and triggers an auto-immune response.

This also can create an oestrogen-dominant state within the body, because of the excess oestrogenic tissue outside the uterine cavity.

Endometriosis doesn’t just create “period pains” and heavy bleeding. It also can have a huge impact on reproductive health, digestive health and bowel movements, urinary and bladder health, mental/emotional health. It can also cause fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and pain.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, we need to move Liver Qi Stagnation and clear Blood Stasis. This means that the Qi (energy) of the body is not free-flowing, which causes pain. It also means that if these continue to stagnate then the Blood cannot flow as it should and it gets locked down.

Depending on your particular symptoms and observations an acupuncture prescription will be created to help encourage the restoration of balance within the body.

If you prefer a Reflexology approach, then Reflexology Lymph Drainage could be the sequence of choice. This sequence specifically targets the lymphatic reflexes on the feet, with the intention of modulating the immune system (the white blood cells of the immune system live in the lymphatic fluid) and reducing the inflammatory effect on the body.

Some lifestyle interventions you can do to help yourself:

Do not wear tampons. These block the natural downward movement of menstrual blood.
Do not have intercourse during your period and the post-partum period.
Do less exercise during menses.
Avoid pelvic examinations and abdominal massage/pressure during menses.
Avoid exposure to cold water during menses.
Eat an anti-inflammatory diet, increasing your intake of phyto-nutrients, fruit and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and reducing refined sugars, alcohol, caffeine.
Remove all oestrogen-mimicking plastics and personal care products from your home. Anything from synthetic fragrances, plug-ins, candles, food stored/cooked in plastics, washing plastic tupperware/bowls/cups in really hot water and with a harsh detergent, switch to more environmentally friendly cleaning products and glass tupperware. See my other post on detoxing holistically.

For more information please see my other blog post.

Detoxing holistically

January 29, 2024February 4, 2025 by JMReflex, posted in Reflexology

January is a time where we see lots of talk and discussion about detoxing after the festive break and as a kick start for the new year ahead. But is January the best time to do this? When we are still very much in mid-winter, and hibernation is still what we are craving with the mornings and evenings still so dark and the weather still so cold.

A better way to approach detoxing is to make lifestyle changes and build good habits into daily routines so that you are reducing the toxic load from the “get go” and daily habits are keeping on top of what’s left.

Reducing toxic load

Many toxins are within our homes. Consider home cleaning, laundry and personal care products, as well as home fragrance. These will contain lots of toxins such as heavy metals, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrance and parabens. Much of these ingredients are environmental oestrogens i.e. they mimic oestrogen within the body and can cause havoc with hormones, mood and weight gain. This is particularly critical if you are trying to conceive or are perimenopausal.

Foods are another area where toxic load can be reduced. Cutting back on ultra processed foods such as ready meals, ready made sauces, fast foods, packet foods can really help reduce toxic load. Choose whole foods and make meals from scratch. Teach yourself how to cook. Snack on things like fruit, nuts and seeds and cut out the junk. Choose organic where possible and rinse/wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly before eating.

Water intake should be increased. The body uses around 2 litres of water per day just to complete its daily functions. If you are not consuming this regularly then the body will source the water from itself leaving you with signs of dehydration such as dry skin, slow bowel movements and headaches.

Choose a water filter to filter out debris, pharmaceutical residues, microplastics and chemicals used in the treatment plants.

Food and water storage

Don’t store your water in plastic bottles; choose a metal or glass bottle. Don’t cook food in plastic containers and try not to store food or re-heat food in plastic. Choose glass Tupperware or simply use a regular bowl and pop a plate over the top. Avoid using clingfilm. You often don’t need to cover and wrap food; simply placing it in the fridge will be good enough if you are eating it the next day. If you want to use a wrap then look at the reusable beeswax or plant-based wraps. Plastic from bottles and storage containers will leach into the water/food, especially if you are washing in hot water using a regular detergent. Switch to an environmentally friendly brand such as Method or BioD.

Daily habits

Daily dry body brushing is a great way to keep your lymphatic system boosted which is integral to reducing toxins and inflammation. Take a body brush and gently brush in an upwards motion towards the heart. Brush up the middle of the torso, then the legs, arms and across the top of the chest. Do this every morning on dry skin before showering or moisturising to keep on top of your detox plan.

A castor oil pack worn over the right side of your abdomen can help to support your liver which is integral for detoxification. This is simply a compress soaked in castor oil and then strapped to your torso and worn for an hour. You can do this weekly to keep on top of your detox plan, or more regularly if you are using it in a more targeted way.

Oil pulling each morning with coconut oil is another way to regularly rid your body of toxins. Put around a teaspoon of coconut oil in your mouth first thing, and let it melt then swish it around your mouth for approximately 2 minutes before spitting into the bin (do not spit into the sink as it may block drains).

Detox the mind with meditation. Meditation doesn’t have to be complicated or boring. Simply sit in a comfortable position and be quiet for a length of time. Sit in the stillness. Allow yourself not to think or worry about anything for the set amount of time. It could be as little as 1 minute to begin with. Use a timer. Practice every day and note how you feel.

These approaches are a better and kinder way to detox your body, and will be practical and sustainable to build into your everyday life.

IVF Acupuncture – Does it Work?

January 16, 2024February 4, 2025 by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, Fertility, fertility acupuncture, ICSI, IVF, Menstrual Cycle, Reflexology

IVF acupuncture is acupuncture to support you through the IVF process.

Artistic interpretation of ovaries, uterus, cervix and vagina.

Ideally you will work with me for 3 months before your IVF treatment begins so that you are fully prepared for success.

Many clients come to me after they have had an unsuccessful first round. We look at the unsuccessful cycle and review what happened, and reflect upon what can be done differently next time.

It is such an emotionally challenging and stressful time for couples; having independent support is invaluable. It’s not simply needles; it is having someone to talk to and knowing someone has your back throughout the journey.

Acupuncture points are often chosen on the lower leg, ankles and feet, wrists and abdomen. But everyone is individual and points are chosen based on your particular pattern.

Acupuncture is powerful after egg collection to help your body heal from this procedure quickly so that you are ready and energised for the embryo transfer around 5 days later.

Getting 1-2 acupuncture treatments in after egg collection, and then one before embryo transfer can be really helpful.

A “baby bank” with details of couples who have trusted in me to support them through their fertility journeys is forthcoming. I am also preparing an e-book to help you set good foundations for your fertility journey.

How can I increase my chances of getting pregnant?

December 14, 2023February 4, 2025 by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, AMH, Fertility, fertility acupuncture, Health & Wellbeing, ICSI, IVF, Male Factor, Reflexology

If you are reading this then chances are you are trying to conceive, and perhaps you have been trying for a while now and each month is a roller coasting of emotions ranging from the highs of hopeful to the lows of that one line showing on the stick.

Woman crying, holding a negative pregnancy test.

One of the best things you can do is to take yourself off this roller coaster for at least 3-6 months. Stop “trying” and start focusing on collecting data, improving your lifestyle and nutritional choices.

Start tracking your cycle using a very basic thermometer to take your basal body temperature, and a paper chart. Mark down where your temperature is each morning before you get out of bed, and on which day of your cycle. Take note of your menstrual blood, spotting, discharge. Collecting this data for around 3 cycles can start to present patterns and markers that might indicate what is happening within your body and your cycle. Bring this with you if you decide to book in for acupuncture.

Get your bloods checked including a full hormone and thyroid panel. Get copies of these results and again bring them with you if you decide to come into clinic for acupuncture.

Really take a deep dive into your lifestyle; write down when you go to sleep, when you wake up, what you eat for each meal, whether you often get aches and pains. What exercise do you take, and what about your partner/husband? How much water do you both drink? Are you both eating a lot of processed foods? Do you use a lot of plastic?

Don’t go on this journey alone. Find a qualified practitioner to help you along the way. My fertility clients come in for weekly acupuncture where we look at everything in your life in detail and work out a plan of action to prepare you as a couple for conception, whether that is natural or IVF.

My clinic is based on the Fylde PR4. Contact me for a chat.

Is Acupuncture Worth it for IVF?

December 11, 2023February 4, 2025 by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, Fertility, fertility acupuncture, Healthy eating, ICSI, IVF, Male Factor, Nutrition, Pregnancy, Reflexology, Stress, supplements, TCM

Acupuncture is very much worth it as part of your overall plan in preparing for conception.

Woman receiving acupuncture for fertility issues in her abdomen.

It is well documented that it takes around 100 days/3 months, or 3 cycles, for an egg to be recruited and matured ready for ovulation, and similarly for a full sperm regeneration cycle to complete.

It is hugely important to give yourself time to prepare and improve your overall health and wellness, lifestyle, diet and nutritional aspects before conceiving, whether you plan to do this naturally or via IVF. If the raw materials are not in the best condition possible, then you will not be maximizing your chances for a viable conception, implantation, and ongoing pregnancy and the health of the child.

As an acupuncturist I work closely with couples to look at where problems might be hiding. Sometimes a small imbalance can lead to issues when it comes to fertility. Working holistically, I take a full medical and lifestyle history from couples trying to conceive, then work out a specific and individualized acu-point prescription to help re-balance what I see happening in the body. I look at tongues, ears, feet and feel your abdomen. I ask a lot of questions about your menstrual cycle, menstrual blood and digestive health, as this can tell us as lot about what might be happening within the body.

Acupuncture is hugely effective when it comes to IVF. Particular points can help with innervation to the ovaries and uterus, boosting Blood and Qi, giving a good bump up to the follicles, helping with uterine lining, managing oestrogen levels and holding off OHSS, as well as calming the mind and supporting the couple. It is also excellent for expediting the recovery after egg collection, and preparing the uterus for transfer. Which points are used will be individual to your own picture.

In my own clinical experience, couples who have taken the appropriate time and care to prepare for their next IVF cycle get the best results; either falling pregnant naturally or having a successful IVF cycle.

If you would like to book a full consultation to discuss your own situation please contact me. Prices can be found here.

Feel at the endo’ your rope with Endometriosis?

December 1, 2023February 4, 2025 by JMReflex, posted in Reflexology

Woman experiencing menstrual cramping and heavy bleeding due to endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a condition where the cells of the endometrium (the uterine lining) are laid down outside of the uterus, usually within the pelvic cavity but sometimes also further afield, like in the nostril for example.

Often endometriosis is found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or even the bladder and bowel.

When menses occurs, the endometriosis tissue bleeds too. This means that menstrual blood is flowing into areas where it shouldn’t. The body’s immune system will kick in, and attack the endometriosis tissue, creating high levels of inflammation and pain.

Other symptoms might include pain while emptying bladder, during bowel movements, and during or after intimacy. IBS symptoms may also be present; diarrhoea or constipation.

Often endometriosis takes a long time to diagnose, because it really can only be seen via laparoscopy or MRI, although sometimes it can be detected via ultrasound. Initially pain and IBS symptoms will be dealt with via pain killers, and heavy periods are often managed via the oral contraceptive pill. Although these firefighting methods might help, they don’t get to the root of the issue.

High levels of inflammation can cause all sorts of havoc within the body. A disordered immune system will have an impact on thyroid, joints, musculo-skeletal health, intestinal and bowel health, sexual health and mental wellbeing. Higher levels of the wrong type of bacteria can be prolific within the microbiome. Oestrogen dominance can also prevail.

What are the answers?

If you suspect you have endometriosis its imperative that your symptoms are investigated further.

Anything you can do to modulate your immune system will help. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet and removing known stimulants and food triggers is important. Seek help from an Acupuncturist specialising in fertility or women’s health, or a reflexologist specialising in Reflexology Lymph Drainage.

If you are experiencing problems and would like to book in with me please get in touch.

Does ICSI have all the answers?

September 22, 2023September 25, 2023 by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, Fertility, fertility acupuncture, Health & Wellbeing, Healthy eating, hydration, ICSI, IVF, jing, Male Factor, Nutrition, Reflexology, Sleep, Stress, Supplements, supplements, TCM, water

Since the advent of ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) problems with male factor in infertility can be addressed and bypassed with this procedure. The ICSI procedure allows particular sperm to be selected for use and manually injected into the egg by the embryologist using a microscopic needle.

But does ICSI always give us the best outcomes?

If the quality of sperm is sub-optimal, the question one has to ask is what impact will this have on the ongoing pregnancy and health of the child going forward?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) our Jing is the substance we inherit from our parents at the moment of conception. Our Jing fuels our growth and development not just through conception and prenatal growth, but all through our lives from infancy to puberty, adulthood and beyond. Jing dictates our constitution and vitality as we move and age through life.

So if we completely disregard the quality of the sperm in favour of the ICSI procedure, what impact will have on the health of the life created? If a sperm is unable to penetrate an egg on its own, what does that say about the underlying Qi of that sperm?

So although ISCI is a wonderful and exceptional advancement in fertility medicine and assisted reproductive techniques, I do believe it should be firmly balanced with other perspectives of male health and vitality.

Sperm are continually created within the body, so taking a break for around 3 months before the next round of IVF is an optimal amount of time to put lifestyle changes in place. Dietary, lifestyle and nutritional changes can have a huge impact on sperm quality.[1] Taking this time and making this effort to improve the underlying Qi and Jing that is passed onto the next generation is fundamentally important. Things to consider:

Stop smoking/vaping;
Reduced consumption of refined sugars, processed foods,
Reduced consumption of alcohol;
Increased consumption of a wide variety of vegetables and fruit;
Take regular exercise;
Increased water intake;
Reduce the use of plastics for cooking and water/food storage (switch to glass)
Supplement with a good quality preconception multivitamin to include zinc, selenium, omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants;
Reduce stress (look at meditation, reflexology, acupuncture, spending time in nature);
Keep mobile phone away from body [2];
Ejaculate frequently [3].

Other options to explore before diving straight into IVF/ICSI:

Having a full examination to rule out varicocele, hydrocele and other physical abnormalities;
Bloods taken for a full hormone profile;
Checking the microbiome to rule out any infection which might be causing levels of damage to the sperm.

“Mounting evidence suggests that the gut microbiome plays a key role in normal spermatogenesis and can be negatively impacted by diet and environmental perturbations.” [3]

Of course, every couple is individual, and factors such as age, for example, will also determine your route to IVF and ICSI.

If you are looking for fertility support in Lancashire please get in touch.

If you would like support through your fertility/IVF/ICSI journey with acupuncture please get in touch.

References

[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32397485/

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7848840/

[3] https://rbej.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1477-7827-10-115

[4] https://www.fertstertreviews.org/article/S2666-5719(23)00001-4/fulltext

PMS and it’s extremes

September 19, 2023February 4, 2025 by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, Healthy Snacks, Menstrual Cycle, mental health, Nutrition, Pain management, Reflexology, Stress, Supplements, supplements, TCM, Yin and Yang

Woman experiencing severe menstrual cramping.

Approximately 90% of women suffer from Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) at some point in their lives. During the few days leading up to menstruation can present with all sorts of symptoms such as bloating, irritability, frustration, anger, back ache, acne, abdominal cramping and pain, feeling tearful and emotional, as well as anxious and depressed.

Every cell in our body has a hormone receptor, so PMS can be attributed to over 200 symptoms as fluctuating hormone levels can have an impact everywhere in the body. These may be symptoms you only experience during the build up to your period, or perhaps these are symptoms you already experience, but are exacerbated at this time of your cycle.

In TCM terms, the luteal phase of your cycle e.g. the second half of your cycle between ovulation and your period, is when your body is at its most Yang. It is the part of the cycle where there is the most energy. Your body is gearing up for the possibility of a pregnancy with the surge of progesterone helping to really plump up the uterine lining for an embryo to implant. This surge of hormone and surge of energy can make us feel energised and productive, however as this starts to wane and drop just before our period starts, can suddenly leave us feeling depleted. The smooth flow of Qi is now not so smooth, as the progesterone starts to dip and body temperature starts to drop, our overall hormone levels can quickly leave us feeling grumpy and moody, and present us with physical symptoms too.

Switching between the Yang half of our cycle to the Yin half i.e. our menses, can create Qi stagnation. Getting to know your cycles by charting on a calendar, or Basal Body Temperature (BBT) charting can really help you to understand what is going on inside your body, help you identify symptoms and mood changes, and shed light onto areas that perhaps might need further attention.

For example, some people do not just suffer with “regular” PMS, but can experience more extreme versions such as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME). These extreme versions of PMS can be very difficult to deal with and manage on a monthly basis. “Experiencing PMDD can make it difficult to work, socialise and have healthy relationships. In some cases, it can also lead to suicidal thoughts.”1

Understanding your own personal cycle, the length of your follicular and luteal phases, and looking at your BBT throughout your cycle can open up possibilities to improve symptoms you’re experiencing. You might discover that phases of your cycle are too long/short or your temperature is not high enough or too high for example.

Supporting progesterone can help with PMS. To support progesterone production and your luteal phase, add more nutrient dense calories into your diet at this phase of your cycle. After all, your body is gearing up for a potential pregnancy, and some women find that they are hungrier at this time. Adding more protein, and looking at using adaptogens such as Ashwaganda to help manage stress and change. “Adaptogens are the umbrella term for fungi and plant-derived compounds that help the body adapt to stress.”[2] Magnesium is also said to help, as many of us are depleted in magnesium and it is involved in a myriad of daily bodily functions. Using a topical spray or adding in Epsom Salts to your evening bath are easy ways to get magnesium into your body. Magnesium often becomes low as a result of stress. [3]

Managing stress is also key to supporting your luteal phase. Booking in for regular reflexology or acupuncture can offer you the opportunity to feel relaxed and receive some downtime already scheduled into your diary. With acupuncture in particular, treating throughout the cycle can help you regulate and improve your quality of life. Vitamin B complex supports the body’s ability to handle stress. [3]

Understanding your cycle can help you to prepare and plan for what might be up ahead. Scheduling your diary around your cycle can help you to be more productive when you are feeling at your most energised, and avoid difficult social situations when you’re likely to be feeling fragile. You can also use your cycle to help with meal planning and snacking, and scheduling in more gentle exercise within the luteal phase.

If you would like fertility support in Lancashire and to book in with me please get in touch.

Fertility and Constipation

July 9, 2023February 4, 2025 by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, constipation, Fertility, fertility acupuncture, Probiotics, Reflexology

Woman experiencing constipation whilst trying to conceive.

If you suffer with regular constipation, and are trying to conceive, then improving your bowel movements can make a huge difference to how you feel and improve your chances of conception.

When we don’t release our waste at least daily, we are storing lots of debris and toxins within the body. We are also compromising our main detox pathway, and this means that new waste cannot be released by the body, leaving us feeling bloated and sluggish, and disrupting chances of conception.

If you are on a lot of medication, for pain for example, then this can also contribute to constipation.

If you find that your faeces is sticky and you are having to wipe a lot to get clean after using the toilet, then you could be at risk of trans-locating bacteria from the bowel into the vagina, causing vaginal dysbiosis: upset with the vaginal biome. If this happens then the vagina is not an environment that is friendly to sperm, and won’t be conducive to conception, as well as potential additional symptoms such as vaginal pain and itching, creating distress and anxiety.

The bowel is the body’s main detox pathway for oestrogen. Excess oestrogen is bound up in the liver and then released into the bowel for excretion. If it is not excreted regularly then this means that excess oestrogen is remaining inside the body, causing imbalance and disharmony. Furthermore, if you have gut dysbiosis, this can signal to the bowel to reabsorb the oestrogen coming from the liver, and send it back into circulation again. This then creates an oestrogen dominant state within the body.

General lifestyle tips for relieving constipation and improving the consistency of the stool is to increase your consumption of vegetables and fruit, and to increase your water intake. Please also see my other blog post on constipation in general, and for self-help tips.

If you are looking for fertility support in Lancashire please get in touch.

If you are experiencing issues like this, or other issues relating to fertility support, please get in touch with me for an appointment.

Molecular Hydrogen

June 16, 2023February 4, 2025 by JMReflex, posted in Children, Eco-friendly, Environment, Fertility, Fibromyalgia, headache, Health & Wellbeing, hydration, mental health, Nutrition, Pain management, Reflexology, Skincare, Stress

Hydrogen is the smallest molecule in the universe. It has only 2 atoms, and binds with oxygen to give us water – H2+0.

Molecular hydrogen is the name given to hydrogen that is released into water to give it highly antioxidant properties. There are over 1000 published studies now providing evidence that hydrogen-rich water has many health-giving and therapeutic effects.

Why is water good for you?

If we consider that, as humans, we are made up of approximately 70% water, we should really make clean, living, health-giving water and hydration our number one priority when it comes to health and nutrition.

Tap water is not the same as filtered water

Tap water is drinkable but it is full of various extras such as the growing concern around micro-plastics, chlorine, fluoride, pharmaceutical residues and hormones. Because of these, as well as poor water structure, the tap water consumed does not effectively hydrate the body and penetrate deep into the cells where it is needed. It is a bit like watering a dried up pot plant: most of the water runs straight through into the saucer.

By releasing molecular hydrogen into clean, filtered and restructured water, we are left with water that is highly bioavailable and hydrates the body much quicker and effectively that regular tap water.

How do I get molecular hydrogen into my water?

There are various ways you can get molecular hydrogen into your water. The system I use at home (and have done so since 2021 – I never promote anything I do not use myself) is the Energy Plus Undersink Filter System from Water for Health.

This is a 4 stage filtration process which sits neatly under the sink. The first two filters remove debris and particulate, and other contaminants such as chlorine and fluoride. The third filter uses bioceramics to mineralise the water to give it good structure. It then finally passes through the fourth filter which uses a magnesium substrate to release molecular hydrogen into the water.

Which water filter is best?

A water filter of this nature is my preferred way to filter water, over reverse osmosis (ro) and distilling. This is mainly down to the fact that both of these methods remove absolutely everything from the water, including the good stuff – the minerals – which not only provide all the trace elements your body needs, but also provide a basic structure to the water. So if you do choose “ro” or distilling then make sure you re-mineralise the water before drinking.

For further information please see my affiliate link here. There are currently over 1000 published studies available on the benefits of molecular hydrogen.