Fertility Awareness
Acupuncture for Fertility (Natural and IVF)
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine have been used for thousands of years to support fertility and healthy pregnancy. We have a wealth of ancient as well as modern information about how best to support our patients. I’m happy to discuss the “how” and the “why” of this with you when you come in for a…
Read MoreBetter Relationships, Sex Lives & Understanding among couples using Fertility Awareness
“Body literacy” really is an apt term for the life skill of Fertility Awareness. When you can read the signs your body is giving you – when you understand what’s happening day to day in your cycle – you are far more capable of making informed decisions and better understanding your experiences. It’s a kind…
Read MoreQ&A: Breast Tenderness after a Hysterectomy
Question: I’ve had a hysterectomy, but I still have my ovaries. Sometimes I get breast pain, and I wonder if it has to do with my cycle. Is there any way to tell where I am in my cycle, with no period? Answer: If you have your ovaries, you are probably still having an ovarian…
Read MoreSkills for Resilience
So, there are some reasons to be alarmed right now, and reasons to be taking action. I feel there are the same reasons to be cultivating adaptability and resilience for ourselves, our loved ones, our communities. I’ve been reflecting on the skills/mindsets that I hope will serve me, my family and our community no matter…
Read MoreWhat is this stuff? Continuous Mucus & Fertility Awareness
“Continuous mucus,” or seeing some kind of discharge from the vagina every day, stops a lot of people from using Fertility Awareness. Not because it stops you from recognizing fertile and infertile days, but because it’s confusing at first. Confusion can be discouraging. So let me clarify this, and encourage you. Generally, we see cervical…
Read MoreWhen to “Expect” a Double Peak
I got the flu a few months ago, and had a Double Peak for the first time years. I ovulated 10 days later than I usually do, and had a 40-day cycle. That means the window in which I could have gotten pregnant was about 10 days later than it typically is for me. I…
Read MoreBlood Deficiency & Foods that Help
June New Moon greetings! A note this month about that period-time tiredness, restless sleep, and craving for red meat – and some foods that can help. All those symptoms, and several others, are related to the Chinese medicine idea of “Blood deficiency” (or “Blood vacuity”). When your Blood is not rich with all that it…
Read MoreOn the Verge of Tears: Crying, PMS & Acupressure
Weeping is a human behavior. It helps us relieve stress, communicate with others, and feel soothed. Crying can also feel overwhelming, embarrassing, or just “in the way.” Sometimes, it lets us know that our physical or mental health is out of balance. All of these things can apply to the teariness that is ever-present for…
Read MoreDo we Alternate Ovaries? And, Acupressure for Ovary Pain
Happy New Moon and Lunar New Year! First for today, an acupressure tip. If you have pain in your lower abdomen (whether it’s in your ovaries during ovulation, or your uterus during menstruation), a great place to explore for tender points is right here at the base of the palm. Feel around this circled area. Move your finger just…
Read MoreDirect Message: Get Pregnant on the Days YOUR Body Tells You Are Most Fertile
The best way to tell on which days intercourse can bring pregnancy is by checking for your own cervical fluid. It’s MUCH more accurate than calendar predictions (even from your app!), and it’s a lot cheaper than using ovulation predictor kits. If you already use the Justisse Method, here’s what you need to know: Conception is…
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