Tag: Health

How does Acupuncture work?

by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, fertility acupuncture, Health & Wellbeing, Pain management, Stress, Stress, TCM

I am often asked how my therapies actually work. Like, really, how to they work? What are the fundamental principles by which Acupuncture effects the client?

Woman receiving abdominal acupuncture.

Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles into the skin. At this very basic level, we are creating an immune response in the body, by piercing the skin. The skin is there to protect us, to act as the boundary between the interior and the exterior. The body reacts to the needles by stimulating the immune system to create more white blood cells ready to defend against a pathogen.

We can also say that the needles have a neurological effect on the body because beneath the surface of the skin we have the superficial fascia, which is our neuro-connective tissue. Think of it like cling film wrapping all the body parts together. This connective tissue runs throughout the entire body in varying different layers, separating, supporting and enclosing different body parts, but connecting them all together. By piercing this with a very fine needle at particular points stimulates the nervous system and can affect the whole body.

Fascinating!

If you would like to book in please get in touch.

Thoughts on Sleep

by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, Breath, Health & Wellbeing, Meditation, Reflexology, Sleep, TCM, Yin and Yang
Woman sleeping peacefully.

Aside from nutrition, getting good quality sleep is probably the most important aspect for health and longevity. It is the cornerstone to good health,vitality, living longer and feeling well.

As basic as it sounds, we are designed to live with the diurnal rhythm; we wake with the light, and we sleep in the dark.

From around 5-6pm in the evening, our cortisol levels naturally start to drop, and the natural light starts to dim, and melatonin levels begin to rise. Melatonin is the hormone that makes us feel drowsy and gets us ready for a good night’s sleep.

I love to look at the Yin/Yang aspect of everything, and we can see here we have the dark night time which is Yin, and the light daytime which is Yang. We can also see that cortisol is the Yang to it’s counterpart melatonin, which is Yin. Our Yin and Yang aspects are always ebbing and flowing gently, gradually and naturally. Therefore its a really good idea to get into a winding down routine in the evening to allow our Yin to naturally deepen and do its work for a good night’s rest.

Its a great idea to adjust your daily activities (as much as is possible) to support this natural daily rhythm. Eating breakfast and your main meal, taking physical exercise and doing the main bulk of your work during the morning and earlier part of the day is best as this is when cortisol is at its highest.

As cortisol starts to drop early evening, its better to eat a smaller evening meal at least 3-4 hours before bedtime. The ‘321’ idea is an easy concept to follow:

  • Eat no later than 3 hours before bed
  • Drink no later than 2 hours before bed (any fluids)
  • No screens no later than 1 hour before bed.

If you can’t switch off your mind, meditation is helpful, as is Valerian, chamomile and magnesium. A bath with Epsom salts will give you a great boost of magnesium, and as your body temperature starts to drop afterwards, it will naturally help to make you feel sleepy. A cup of night time tea might also be useful. Try different things and see what helps you – we are all different!

We should be getting around 90 minutes of deep sleep every night and this usually happens earlier into the night. Its during the deep sleep where our body replenishes, heals and rejuvenates.

We should be getting around 2-3 hours of REM sleep a bit later on in the night, after deep sleep, and this is the type of sleep where our mind sifts, sorts through and processes everything that’s happened during the day. I believe this is why meditation can be so useful because sitting quietly and observing our thoughts for a few minutes before bed will get ahead of the sifting and sorting process that happens during REM.

We can disrupt our deep sleep by exercising too much. It’s a bit like taking a car on a very long drive; the engine will have been revved up and used a lot of oil. It will take longer to cool down and get back to normal. It’s the same with our body and mind. It can leave you wired even if you have done a lot and think you should be tired.

If you are a snorer then this will disrupt your sleep patterns, particularly if it causes apnea and wakes you everytime you’re snoring too loudly or gasping for air. It also means that you are not breathing through your nose as much. Nasal breathing increases the gas nitric oxide which is a molecule produced naturally in the body and is important for relaxing blood vessels and allowing them to widen and increase circulation (and so increasing oxygen and nutrient circulation around the body). It also helps us to feel relaxed and switch from ‘fight or flight’ to ‘rest and digest’ i.e. switching off the sympathetic nervous system and switching on the parasympathetic nervous system. Again these are the Yin and Yang aspects of health. Nasal breathing helps us to move out of Yang and into Yin.

Humming on the outbreath creates vibration which will open up the airways and increase nitric oxide, again making us feel relaxed and able to sleep better. So do some “Oms” with your evening meditation and see if you notice the difference!

Going back to snoring; snoring is usually down to raised inflammation making the airways swollen and restricted. Reducing inflammation is something to really work on if you are a snorer; losing weight, eating the rainbow, cutting down on refined carbs and sugars, processed foods, alcohol, smoking, caffeine, upping your omega 3s by eating oily fish, nuts and seeds, olive oil etc.

Working with a practitioner like myself with regular reflexology and/or acupuncture can be so useful in taking care of your overall health and wellbeing, and we can usually pinpoint areas that might be disturbing your ability to get a good night’s sleep.

Overall, getting into good habits by creating a bedtime routine or ritual that you follow each night, tailored particularly to those things that work for you, is the best way to set the stage for a good night’s sleep.

If you are interested in working with me please get in touch.

Links to carefully selected affiliates.

Shine a Light on Lipoedema

by JMReflex, posted in Reflexology

Lipoedema is a chronic disorder of the connective tissue and fat tissue, mainly affecting women. It is thought to be a genetic and inherited disease, but can skip a generation.

The onset of Lipoedema is not well understood, however it is usually via a hormonal trigger, either at puberty, after pregnancy or menopause. Once triggered, there is an abnormal laying down of adipose tissue. This usually happens around the hips, legs, buttocks, knees (although sometimes it can be found in the arms). Hands and feet are usually unaffected. The fat deposited is usually evenly balanced between each side of the body, and creates a dimpled “orange peel” appearance.

During stressful times, a “growth spurt” can happen and another laying down of additional adipose tissue happens.

Lipoedema can create difficulties in walking and general movement, finding clothes to fit comfortably, and mental/emotional trauma. The areas affected can be painful and throb; feeling heavy and touch-sensitive. Bruising can happen easily, and the condition of the skin can deteriorate if not looked after properly.

The adnormal amounts of adipose tissue can start to block the lymphatic system, creating additional swelling of lymph fluid. This condition is sometimes referred to lipo-lymphoedema.

Reflexologist holding the pituitary reflex point on the big toe.

The community of Reflexology Lymph Drainage practitioners has seen much success in managing this condition with the techniques of reflexology. Patients report that their legs feel “empty” after a treatment which lasts a few days. Patients have also experienced the fat tissue starting to soften, creating a normal “wobble” instead of a solid, thickened, unmoveable texture. Pitting indendation starts to reduce considerably in some patients.

As a reflexologist I have lots of techniques in my toolbox; endocrine work is also be applied to the reflexes to address and manage the hormonal aspect of this condition (where appropriate).

Short demo on adding in the leg reflex to the RLD sequence. This additional technique is essential in treating lipoedema patients.

If you are interested in trying Reflexology Lymph Drainage to help with Lipoedema or Lymphoedema please get in touch via phone/text.

Lymphoedema – Lighten the Load

by JMReflex, posted in Reflexology

Lymphoedema can be a debilitating condition where the lymphatic system is compromised and thus a build up of fluid creates swelling in an area of the body.

Primary Lymphoedema is thought to be hereditary. Fluid starts to pool at the base of a limb due to the inadequacy of the lymphatic system’s ability to drain fluid.

Woman wearing compression bandage for lymphoedema.

Secondary Lymphoedema can appear after an operation, or after an accident or injury. The cause of fluid build up can be due to the lymphatic tissue becoming damaged, or removed (for example an axillary clearance).

Swelling can make that area of the body painful, heavy, tight and restricted. The tissues of the skin can become very uncomfortable and delicate, prone to damage and infection. It can be difficult to find clothes to fit, and can create mental/emotional instability.

The treatment for lymphoedema is compression, exercise/movement and good skincare. Sometimes Manual Lymph Drainage is offered which is a massage technique which re-reoutes the fluid away from the affected site.

Reflexology Lymph Drainage is a technique based on the principles of Manul Lymph Drainage, but transposed onto the reflexes of the feet or hands.

The beauty of this technique is that it is completely non-invasive; patients do not need to get undressed. It can be done in-clinic via the feet, or remotely via a taught self-help sequence carried out on the hands.

Much research is still being carried out around this technique; however what the reflexology community have seen up to this date is that the technique and sequence supports the theory of reflexology. By isolating and working the lymphatic reflexes of the feet or hands, has an effect on the body. As a community, we have been witness to some incredibly rewarding results for our clients.

Please contact me to have an initial discussion and to book in.

More on Endometriosis

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.

Woman experiencing period pain.

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

by JMReflex, posted in Reflexology
Woman holding a healthy green smoothie.

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.

How can I increase my chances of IVF success?

by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, AMH, Fertility, fertility acupuncture, ICSI, IVF, Male Factor, Pregnancy, Stress, Stress, TCM

IVF is a process which shouldn’t be taken lightly. It is hard on couples from all angles; emotionally, mentally and physically.

IVF eggs under microscope.

The drugs used are heavy duty; creating all sorts of side effects and mood swings. The process involves physical incisions through the vaginal wall and on the ovaries – multiple cuts in fact – depending on how many follicles you have. A lot of energy is required for your body to heal. You will also be sedated and this can take time to recover from.

Then there is the agonizing wait to see if any eggs fertilized, and how well they develop to day 5 where you will then have another procedure to transfer the embryo into your womb. And the 2 week wait begins, alongside more drugs.

It is an emotional roller coaster and exhausting; taxing mentally and physically with trips in and out of the clinic for tests and scans.

For such a consuming process, wouldn’t you want to prepare the best that you can to maximise your chances of success? Its not something you should walk into without first fully investigating what the problems are with your inability to conceive naturally, and to really prepare your body and the environment within which your eggs are recruited and collected, and then transferred back for implantation and ongoing pregnancy.

Preparation is key when it comes to IVF success. Don’t allow a fertility clinic to use your first round as a diagnostic; that’s way too expensive both financially and for your health and overall wellbeing.

Find someone to help you through the process and work with a specialist who can take a deep dive into your lifestyle and nutrition, and offer you acupuncture as part of your preparation program.

Contact me for an initial chat and start your preconception journey with me today.

Is Acupuncture Worth it for IVF?

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?

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?

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