Posts Tagged ‘acupressure’

You may think that yeast is only a problem “down there.”  But it can affect the intestines as well. Candida can be hard to diagnose, because it shares symptoms with other health issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome and gluten intolerance.  You might find yourself bouncing between doctors in an effort to find the true culprit of symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, constipation, sinusitis, or headaches.

If you answer ‘yes’ to a many of the below questions, you probably have Candida.

*Have you ever taken repeated or prolonged courses of antibiotics?

*Do you eat non-organic animal products, which contain antibiotics and steroids?

*Have you taken a prolonged course of steroids or birth control pills?

*Have you been bothered by recurrent vaginal, prostate, or urinary-tract infections?

*Are you bothered by hormone-related issues, including: PMS, infertility, menstrual

irregularities, or sexual dysfunction?           

*Are you overly sensitive to certain odors?

*Do you have memory or concentration problems?                                   

*Do you suffer from digestive issues?

*Does your skin itch, burn, or rash easily?

*Do some foods disagree worsen your symptoms?

What next?!?!

Eliminate yeast-promoting foods

For a minimum of 6 weeks, eliminate foods that feed yeast and encourage its growth:

Sugar, dairy, yeast, fruit, grains, and fermented foods. Eat no more than 40-60 grams of carbohydrates a day.  Focus on eating vegetables, nuts, seeds, unprocessed oils, and drink plenty of water.

The good news is that Candida is treatable with simple dietary changes and the right supplements. It can take a few months to really eliminate the yeast. So don’t give up, if your symptoms don’t away immediately.

Live natural. Live well.

Heather

I don’t have to convince you that a healthy sex drive is a good thing. More and more studies are proving what the ancients have known for thousands of years: sex is good for your health. But in today’s hectic world, being “in the mood,” doesn’t always make the top of your to-do list. The result? A low libido.

Ancient Chinese medical texts describe in detail how important a healthy sex life is for general health and well-being. There are even descriptions of how often is healthy according to your age. There are many ways to improve sex drive and function, but the safest and most effective way is do it naturally through Traditional Chinese Medicine and Nutrition, along with essential oils.

You might be asking, “Why choose Chinese medicine over Western medicine?” For starters, acupuncture, herbs, proper nutrition, and essential oils have no side effects when used properly. Another added bonus is that certain herbs increase fertility and help with other health concerns while giving you that extra oomph.

Along with stress, poor lifestyle habits, and physical conditions (arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, prostatitis, obesity, smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol), a history of sexual trauma can lower your libido. Even seemingly mild occurrences can have an effect on your sex drive. Healing any issues around this type of trauma is key to sexual health. Chinese medicine along with therapy is the perfect combination to deal with such issues.

Scar tissue caused by surgery in the pelvic region can cause lack or insufficient flow of Qi and blood to the area and may cause impotence, low libido & infertility.

There are many Chinese herbs whose functions include: regulation of energy metabolism, promotion of sexual functions, removal of plaque and cholesterol, lowering of blood pressure, reduction of scar tissue, and regulation of the adrenal cortex.

How do essential oils work? Sense of smell, which is connected to olfactory nerves, works mostly on a subconscious level. Olfactory nerves are directly connected to the most primitive part of the brain, the limbic system. The limbic system deals with sex drive, hunger, and thirst. Certain smells mimic sexual olfactory signals. Thus, ‘turning you on.’

Play with them. You and your partner can put them on each other. If pregnant or trying to get pregnant or you have any hormonal imbalances, please consult a qualified professional as to safety of certain oils.

Oils to Use

* Increasing libido- jasmine, rose, sandalwood, myrrh, and frankincense, cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, peppermint, sage and clary sage.

* Prostatitis- Thuja and thyme

* Sexual trauma- frankincense

* Anger/stress distracting you- lavender, ylang ylang, & bergamot

* Depression- rosemary & ylang ylang

* Love sick- chamomile

* Lavender is very calming and can relieve the feeling of pressure/anxiety with sexual performance. It reduces high blood pressure that can cause sexual dysfunction. Lavender also reduces scar tissue.

The good news is that a low libido is treatable without having to worry about the side effects or safety of most medications on the market. Whether or not you choose Chinese medicine to increase your sex drive, it is important to remember that achieving balance in your life is key to your health.

Live natural. Live well.

Heather

Cancer prevention.  Maybe I should have titled the subject line “Illness Prevention.”  But the big C always gets people’s attention.  Especially when 1 in 3 women and 1 in 2 men are getting cancer now.  So why not change a few things to reduce your risk?

1 Eat more vegetables
Vegetables aren’t just delicious and filled with vitamins and nutrients; they also contain a lot of fiber, antioxidants, and beta-carotene.  All of these help reduce your risk. Eating vegetables makes your body more alkaline, which is also good for preventing any illness.
For more on why eating a more plant based diet is better for you and the environment, please read another great resource at GoVeg.

2 Go organic
Organic food not only tastes better, it doesn’t have all those pesticides, antibiotics, steroids and growth hormones that can make you very sick.  A lot of people say to me organic costs more.  One trick is to go to your local farmer’s market right before closing.  The vendors are practically giving their products away.  Plus, eating organic is much cheaper than getting sick, missing work, and having medical expenses.

3 Sweat more
Sweating releases toxins through the skin.  Fewer toxins in your body, the lower your risk of getting sick. Go for a hike, take a power yoga class, or sit in a sauna on a regular basis.

4 Do a liver cleanse on a regular basis
If you’ve been getting my newsletters for a while, you know I’m a fan of doing a SAFE cleanse at least once a year.  Along with sweating, a liver cleanse will flush out the bad stuff that’s stuck in your liver.

5 Taking care of your mental health
Stress can weaken your immune system.  Thus, making you more susceptible to getting sick.  So whether it’s meditating, therapy, a spiritual practice, exercise, or all of the above, please take care of you!

6 Avoid sugar, including sugar substitutes, and dairy
Sugar feeds cancer.  Eat some fruit instead. And dairy is mucous forming, since it’s mucous too.  Try milk alternatives, such as hemp, almond, or rice.  You can get really creative and make your own.

7 Deep breathing
Cancer cells won’t thrive in a highly oxygenated body.  So take out that yoga mat and breathe.

8  Don’t store or cook your food in plastic.
Highly heated plastics release dioxin (carcinogens) into your food and ultimately into the cells of the body.  In fact, avoid using plastic altogether.

See?  That wasn’t so hard, was it?  Knowing that you’ve taken the first steps to being disease free can be so liberating.

Live natural.  Live well.
Heather


The combination of Chinese Medicine – acupuncture, Chinese herbs and nutrition – along with Western nutrition creates a synergy that helps manage weight in a healthy, individual manner. Chinese medicine speeds the metabolism, reduces cravings, helps reduce stress as well as support healthy food choices.

A typical treatment plan consists of an initial consultation followed by acupuncture. All patients receive a specifically tailored food plan that will indicate foods that should be eaten in moderation as well as a list of foods to be avoided. Herbal supplements and organic vitamins are used to adjust metabolism, cholesterol, energy, food cravings and even to manage diabetes. Weekly acupuncture treatments are recommended during the first month to accelerate results, then a maintenance program of every four to six weeks.

As everyone responds differently to treatment, each step along the way, up to and including a maintenance program once the desired weight goal has been achieved, is done on an individual basis.

This unique blend of Eastern and Western medicine is the optimal way to safely lose weight.

Live natural. Live well.

Heather

Stressed from planning your wedding? Trying to lose weight for your big day? Want to make your skin look more vibrant? I can help you accomplish all of the above.

Chinese medicine will help in several ways, namely: weight loss, increasing energy, calming stress and anxiety, boosting your immune system so you don’t get sick, and facial rejuvenation. I recommend that the initial consultation take place approximately three to six months (depending on individual goals) prior to your wedding. We will then establish a personalized treatment plan to set us on the road to accomplish what we need to accomplish before your big day.

On your actual wedding day, I offer acupuncture, massage, and aromatherapy to both you and your bridal party (should you so desire). This is the perfect way to get ready, de-stress, take a breath, relax and enjoy. And for the women sharing this special day with you, these treatments make a wonderful gift. The best part is, I come to you!

Live natural.  Live well.

Heather

Do you seem to have a lot of sore throats or get sick often? Are you prone to losing your voice? Have you had to stay home from work or miss social engagements due to a lost voice?

There are many reasons for experiencing loss of voice, hoarseness, and sore throats. The symptoms can be caused by overuse or damage to the vocal cords, infections (sometimes low grade and undetected) or postnasal drip from either allergies or colds, which irritates the throat. Singers and vocal performers are especially susceptible to this problem given their lifestyle and the over-use of their vocal cords.

Prevention is key and can often be achieved with traditional Chinese medicine. If the problem already exists, acupuncture and other ancient protocols can quicken the healing process, sometimes within a matter of minutes.

Acupuncture works wonders — it clears out infection and stimulates circulation to the area, thus speeding the healing process. Herbs are often prescribed to soothe the throat, repair damage, expel infection, and reduce the congestion that leads to postnasal drip.
In addition, Dr. Lounsbury is never without her special Chinese berries from which she makes a warm tea that completely gets rid of hoarseness and soreness within minutes.

If you or someone in your family suffers from sore throats, hoarseness, or loss of voice, it’s time to consider Traditional Chinese Medicine. Her  therapeutic approach will lessen occurrence and speed recovery time should there be one.

Patient Testimonial:

“My voice is my living. Dr. Lounsbury’s treatments save it anytime I’m feeling a cold coming on or I’ve been screaming too long into a microphone. I don’t know what I’d do without her.”
- James B., Singer

Acupressure/acupuncture, herbs, and comprehensive nutrition are a safe, comfortable, and effective way to treat problems associated with autism. It is especially helpful in conjunction with Western therapies. Each person responds differently to treatment, but there is a decrease in symptoms and more fulfilling way of life as a result.

What Chinese medicine treats:

• Hyperactivity Increasing attention span
• Increasing immunity
• Improving verbal and non verbal communication
• Reducing temper & aggression
• Improving motor skills
• Regulating sensitivity to pain
• Detoxification Insomnia
• Decreasing side effects of medication

It’s a well-known fact that many people have a problem with some form of addiction. Whether it’s cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, food, caffeine, love, or sex, addiction doesn’t necessarily mean you’re unable to function or live a relatively manageable life. It can be an action or substance that is in any way negatively affecting your daily life and you find it virtually impossible to stop.

For many, life’s ups and downs are extremely painful and being “numb” is the easiest way out. For those in the performing arts, emotional sensitivity makes them fantastic performers but also causes a great deal of pain. And as previously noted, along with the pain comes the overwhelming desire to numb it.

Daily acupuncture is an effective way to ease the suffering of withdrawal and help with cravings. It also safely and effectively aids in dealing with the emotions that come up once sober.

My treatment protocol is best used in conjunction with therapy, 12 step programs, and the support of loved ones. I make the process less painful – both physically and emotionally – greatly increasing the chance of success. Make this really be your last bottom.

Imagine how much more deeply you’ll be able to connect with your family and friends… Imagine the sense of triumph and true happiness you’ll feel once sober…

Chinese medicine is also ideal for those already in recovery. The natural calming effect and emotional support is completely safe — no transference of dependency and no negative side effects.

Patient testimonials:

“I’ve tried getting sober off and on for almost 20 years. Since working with Heather, I haven’t gotten loaded in almost 3 years. A miracle.” – Jack G., Singer

“My problem was with food. I ate any time I was upset. I was about 100 pounds overweight when I first came to Doctor Heather. With regular treatments, herbs, practical nutrition, and exercise, I’ve been able to keep the pounds off for over a year. I no longer reach for a bag of cookies. I’ve never been more secure in myself and in the way I feel and look.” – Louisa M., Actress

Acupuncture is a safe, comfortable and effective way to treat many of the problems that may occur during pregnancy. Chinese medicine is especially helpful with health issues where Western medicine or pharmaceuticals are contraindicated.

Acupuncture assists in fertility issues (in both men and women), as well as
with pre-existing medical issues that the mother may have prior to pregnancy.

For pregnancy related conditions, acupuncture helps alleviate the following: morning sickness, heartburn, constipation, difficulty sleeping, hemorrhoids, back pain, sciatica, edema, carpal tunnel, breech position, inducing labor and reducing labor pain.

Post-partum, acupuncture/acupressure helps alleviate fatigue, depression,
vaginal discharge, mastitis, post-operative healing and recovery, and insufficient (or excessive) lactation.

Is your child autistic?

The number of children with autism has gone from 1 in 10,00 in 1980 to 1 in 88 girls and 1 in 54 boys today. Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability with a growth rate of 1,148%.  The numbers are staggering. Some of this because of diagnosing has gotten better.  But most of the increase is due to the toxins to which we and our children are exposed.

Many parents come to me after their child has already been diagnosed. Most autistic  children develops at a healthy rate, and then ‘suddenly’, their behavior changes drastically.

Some of the symptoms include:

• Anxiety
• Digestive issues
• Increased pain threshold
• Withdrawal
• Aggression
• Impulsiveness
• Lack of attention and difficulty making eye contact
• Issues with non-verbal communication
• Lacking in verbal communication skills
• Poor immune responses
• Problems with social relationships
• Obsessive attachments to certain objects
• Sensory integration problems
• Poor behavior, whining, or tantrums
• Insomnia

Common causes:

• Poor Detoxification
• Heavy Metal Toxicity
• Inflamed Gut and Microbial Imbalance
• Food Allergies
• Nutritional Deficiencies

What you can do

• Have your child tested for heavy metal poisoning, food allergies, and gut health.
• Put your child on an allergy elimination diet.
• Avoid vaccines, especially those containing mercury.
• Avoid amalgam/silver fillings, as these contain mercury.
• Avoid all toxic cleaning and beauty products.
• Feed your family organic, non-genetically modified foods.
• Receive acupuncture/acupressure treatments along with herbal medicine.
• Research what supplements will help your child.

I can help your autistic child with any of the above steps to have a healthier, more fulfilling life. There is hope.

Live natural. Live well.

Heather