You guys I LOVE Thanksgiving. I think it is the perfect holiday...themes of gratitude and family with a feast at the center of the celebration, I mean come on! It's like it was designed just for me. I also love that it's non-religious so anyone can make it a part of their lives, regardless of any other personal dogma or beliefs. So, I know we all have our lists going and we've consulted our recipes and are stocking up on butter, but have you thought ahead to how to help your children through it? Lots of people, travel, and a break in your routine, can add up to make it kind of stressful on the little people. Here are some tips for making this wonderful day truly full of love and joy for everyone!
Read MoreAs we enter into the busy holiday season, I am reflecting upon what is the simplest easiest thing to do to enjoy the festivities and the people around me the most, and keep any stress at bay (I’m not one who by nature likes to shop or cook for potlucks, two things that holiday season often requires!). If I had to pick one quick and easy thing that changes each day for the better every time I do it, it would be to start the day with a moment of deep breathing.
Read MoreA big part of our holistic approach to wellness includes diet and nutrition. We know that our patients take this seriously and are working to make positive, healthy choices around their food, but something that we don't talk about as much is getting the whole family on board. Someone recently asked Tiff, our resident Holistic Parenting Coach, about how to get more veggies in their little one.
Read MoreIt’s fall in Austin, which means the temperature drops slightly, the wind picks up … and most of us want to be outside. This is the time of year when you hear folks say “Oh, it’s so nice today, what is it, 90?” With the weather improving, it’s a shame that more of us are experiencing issues with allergies. And I feel you, because I’m in the same boat as you, drifting through a sea of pollen.
Read MoreYou may have noticed that sometimes we use essential oils during the acupuncture treatments… What are these scents? How do we choose which one to use?
As a fan of these oils over the years I was happy to find them in the treatment rooms. I enjoy sharing them and they enhance my day as well! At home I have used them in many ways: to relax, to concentrate, to uplift my energy and mood, to heal skin, to prevent sickness… overall I just notice I feel better when I have them around!
Read MoreMany people have a hard time when the weather changes and begin to suffer from allergies, sleep issues, and digestive issues. Here are some tips for moving into the fall season and maintaining the health that you’ve worked so hard to achieve:
♦ GET PLENTY OF REST – I know, it seems like a no brainer, but as we move closer to winter your body will naturally want to sleep more. Although our modern lifestyles may not allow us to sleep 10-12 hours a night during the winter, you can make sure that you still get an adequate amount of sleep. Remember, if you don’t have enough energy, you’re not going to be able to get everything done, regardless of how late you stay up.
I have always been interested in alternative medicine, and Traditional Chinese Medicine in particular, which is one reason why I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to learn and observe while I work here. Considering, however, that I am a twenty-something who is not currently poised to pursue pregnancy as a viable option in my life, I initially applied for the job being more interested in the Oriental Medicine aspect of it than the fertility aspect. I do have two kids... but both of them are goats. And I plan to keep it that way for at least awhile longer.
Read MoreWhen people find out that I’m a reproductive acupuncturist, they usually want to know if I only see patients trying to conceive naturally. If you’re already a TCRA patient then you know the answer is no, we treat couples along any and all parts of their fertility journey. If you are not currently a TCRA patient, then you’re probably reading this because you are curious about using acupuncture to support your upcoming IVF or IUI cycle. We would love to support you during this important time, so lets discuss how acupuncture may help you.
Read MoreWhat is Inflammation?
Inflammation is the body’s innate immune response to any injury or pathogen that disrupts the natural balance of functioning in your body. Inflammation is the beginning of the healing process.
If you have a bodily injury, acute inflammation is short term and helps the body to enter repair mode. If inflammation is prolonged or chronic, however, it can damage to the body’s tissues. Inflammation in our patients has caused painful cramps, upset digestion, skin problems, and inhibits the efficiency of their reproductive health and conception.
Read MoreWe frequently recommend that our patients eat congee for breakfast, but sometimes I think we fail to stress the importance and relevance of it as part of your treatment plan and overall health.
First of all, lets talk about the importance of breakfast. Almost everyone has heard their mom say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but many adults still skip this vital meal.
This week in the news, Gwyneth Paltrow admitted to having suffered from Postpartum Depression after the birth of her son Moses in 2006. In her weekly newsletter on GOOP, she not only talks about her personal experience with Postpartum Depression, but also has another mother and several doctors share their experiences and insight about this condition. The article is enlightening as
well as a good reminder of this very serious condition that is estimated to occur in about 10% of women postpartum. The article discusses symptoms to watch for as well as suggests treatment options.
The time for planting in Austin is ripe! If you plant within the next couple of weeks, you can enjoy a rich bounty throughout the summer and fall … and you know what’s even better? Several of the foods that are highly recommended by TCRA as “Fertility Foods” are incredibly easy to grow and care for, even in Austin’s intense heat. And, who knows, a little "fertility garden" project like this could maybe even provide you with multiple bounties … not all of them grown in the ground. ;)
Although the amount of setup and nurturing required to raise a super productive garden can be time consuming, some of these plants thrive without practically any assistance. The list I’ve thrown together here are of plants that are practically no-fail, even in Texas weather, along with some recommendations on how to best grow and care for them. Having these fertility foods at your fingertips will not only encourage your consumption of them on a more regular basis, but will provide you with the assurance that you are getting the freshest, most nutrient-packed food possible.