A few weeks ago, I got a bee in my bonnet and posted this message on my Facebook page:
You know what I'm really tired of reading, over and over again? 'Every parent knows what's best for their kids.' IT’S NOT (always) TRUE, people.
Endometriosis is one of the more common, and less commonly diagnosed reproductive issues for women. Although many women have it, few are given an upfront diagnosis. Although all the symptoms may be present, there is no way to determine with any certainty that someone has endometriosis unless a laparoscopy is done. Because a laparoscopy is a surgery, and therefore a risk, they are not generally conducted unless the woman is trying, and having difficulty conceiving.
Read MoreEvery summer I seem to end up covered in scores of mosquito bites despite my best efforts; after moving to a new property last year, I added poison ivy rashes to that mix. This year, the poison ivy issue started early, when I tried to clear it from my yard in a bold (rash - ha ha?) decision to eradicate it before I had another miserable summer of looking like a leper. Well, of course, the poison ivy won that battle.
Read MoreIt’s time to shake off the lethargy of Winter, and reactivate your interest in the outer world. Spring is just a hop-skip-and-a-jump away, and that’s exactly what you should be doing to get the blood moving again!
While Fall and Winter are times to wind down, internalize, and conserve energy (both mentally and physically), Spring is the time to get moving, get outside, and clear away the stagnations of the colder seasons. Spring is the season of external growth during which everything that you have nurtured in the months of internal growth, during the Fall and Winter, begins to emerge.
It's likely that in the past week or so, you have been over-inundated by a constant and steady stream of advice, lists (and listicles!?), blogs, and motivational speeches of how to improve your life this year, and make it your best year ever.
There are lists for how to be healthier, happier, or lose weight; for how to find love, make your relationship perfect, be a better parent or lover or friend; how to get the job of your dreams, learn new skills, and be more creative; how to finally gain financial freedom and independence, and, of course, how to do all of these things all at once and live a life of perfect balance... and, yes, even lists for how to keep your resolutions.
During the rush and pull of the holiday season, one of the parts of your body that takes the biggest beating is often your feet. You’re working longer hours as business heats up for the holidays, or as you try and cram in all the projects and reports you need to finish before your vacation (so that you can actually relax!); and in your “free” time, you’re running from place to place looking for that one particular item, or crafting people’s presents. And that’s not even mentioning the parties. Office parties, family parties, personal parties - all dressed in your best, and probably not in sole-supporting sneakers.
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Last week, Jennifer gave us a wonderful exercise called One Breath to help bring us increased relaxation and improved health to get us through the holiday season. One Breath is an exercise that can be done anywhere, at any time, and brings about health benefits instantly. Literally.
To me, autumn is the most fascinating time of year. Spring has the miracle of new life and new growth; a burst of energy expelled outwards propelling us into renewal and action. Spring is a very external season, a time for shaking off the sleepiness of Winter and reengaging with the world. It makes sense then that Spring is the beginning of the yang cycle in Chinese philosophy. Yang is the active, male principle in nature represented by the sun. It is warmth, energy and light.
Read MoreBone broth in Chinese medicine is a very important component of the diet. More than just a stock, bone broth is slowly simmered for 24-72 hours. Made with (organic) beef, pork, or chicken bones (pescatarians can also use fish bones), the process of slow cooking the broth leeches all of the important minerals and fats from the bones, marrow, and gelatin. Consuming bone broth helps reduce inflammation and helps heal the gut microvilli for improved digestion; the gut in Chinese medicine is the source of all blood formation, which makes it imperative in reproductive medicine. Healthy gut equals healthy body!
Read MoreYES! And probably for more reasons than you would think. The most obvious is stress reduction. Today, we lead very stressful lives, whether it comes from the busyness of our work, family life or the nonstop mental chatter we have going on in the background. The added pressure from the roller coaster of trying to get pregnant (or being pregnant for that matter) can lead to even greater stress. What you might not realize is that all this stress can produce prolactin, cortisol and other hormones that affect progesterone production and can interfere with or even prevent ovulation. In addition, every time our nervous system goes into fight or flight mode it sends blood away from the core to the extremities to prepare for “flight”. This disrupts blood flow to the uterus and can negatively affect the uterine lining making it more difficult for an embryo to implant, grow, and thrive.
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