Archive for the ‘Rebecca Rice L.AC’ Category

The Food and Fertility Connection

Monday, October 31st, 2011

By: Rebecca Rice, Licensed Acupuncturist

Fertility Foods Basics

When looking at ways to enhance fertility, the diet is one of our most reachable influences.  To improve the diet it is helpful to consider your specific constitutional needs.  A Chinese medical assessment which includes a tongue and pulse diagnosis will give you a framework to work within.

In general foods are best consumed at their freshest state.  These foods have greater vitality which is transferred through nutrients in the body.  Foods that are easy to digest are important as well. Choose lightly cooked vegetables over raw ones.  Choose warm foods over cold ones. Having heat already within the food creates less of a burden on your digestion.

Foods That May Impair Fertility

Eating organic or pesticide/herbicide free produce is optimal.  Pesticides and herbicides contain known endocrine disrupters.  They interfere with female reproductive health by altering the availability of ovarian hormones and altering the binding and activity of  hormones at the receptor level. This can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, endometriosis and infertility.

At least 1 in 130 Americans have a genetic predisposition to Celiac disease and even more are gluten intolerant.  These conditions are present when cells that line the small intestine become inflamed as a result of eating gluten (found in wheat, rye, barley, spelt, kamut, semolina, cous cous, and gluten contaminated oats).  Intestinal inflammation leads to malabsorption of vitamins and minerals.  Aside from malnutrition there are over 200 possible symptoms.  The most common ones include: abdominal cramps, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, IBS, infertility, joint pain, mouth sores, weakness, and weight loss.  A blood test is available to test for celiac disease.  This determination can be pivotal for those wishing to conceive.

Eating for Wellness

The next time you eat something pay attention to the way your body feels afterwards. Do you feel energized or fatigued? Do you have a headache? Is your mind sharp or foggy?  Everything that goes into your body has an affect, whether it’s observable or not, pleasant or unpleasant. Food affects overall health as well as our fertility.

Resources:

Craig ZR, Wang W, Flaws JA.
Reproduction. 2011 Aug 23. [Epub ahead of print]
Endocrine disrupting chemicals in ovarian function: effects on steroidogenesis, metabolism and nuclear receptor signaling. Source: Z Craig. Comparative Biosciences. University of Illinois,Urbana, United States.

 

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Better Your Birth with Acupuncture

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011

By: Rebecca Rice, Licensed Acpuncturist

Having a baby requires preparation.  Whether it’s painting the nursery, adding extra house chores, organizing the crib, clothing, bottles, getting those doctor’s and hair appointments in, there is quite a bit of preparatory action that goes into readying oneself and family for the arrival of the new baby (or babies!). 

Aside from taking childbirth classes such as Lamaze, Bradley method, etc. finding the time to physically, mentally and emotionally fortify oneself before delivery is quite helpful. Acupuncture is a modality to look to during this exciting time.

Receiving acupuncture treatments weekly for 6 weeks before anticipated delivery is beneficial in several ways.  Often women may be anxious or fearful of the process of labor and the birth.  Acupuncture serves as a refuge- a time and space to deeply clear the mind.  It releases endorphins which facilitate relaxation and ease physical discomfort as well.  There are specific acupuncture points used to prepare the uterus for labor.  In the case of breech presentation acupuncture and moxabustion are commonly used to turn the baby’s head downwards.  Acupuncture has also been used to facilitate prolonged or difficult labors.  Along with other holistic therapies, women may also use acupuncture to encourage labor to begin if the baby is past due.

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Posted in Acupuncture, Community Acupuncture, Mind Body Medicine, Rebecca Rice L.AC, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Women's Health | Comments Off

Community Acupuncture Relieves Stress

Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010

By Rebecca Rice, L.AC
Community Acupuncture has been a powerful ally in helping our community to unwind. Stress is one of the most common symptoms of this day and age. Its side effects can include such symptoms as: depression; headaches; acid reflux; anxiety; poor memory and trouble sleeping. Stress can subtly creep into our lives or may be directly related to specific events or thought patterns.
Conveniently, the Center is offering Community  Acupuncture, which is proving to be very popular in the area because of it reduced cost.  At the Center, walk-ins are welcome if we can accomodate but appointments are encouraged.  This is perfect if you are having a challenging day and need relief.  Acupuncture is an excellent way to effectively release stress, and provides an individual a natural, drug-free way to relax almost instantly.

Posted in Acupuncture, Community Acupuncture, Pain Management, Preventative Health, Rebecca Rice L.AC, Stress Management, Traditional Chinese Medicine | Comments Off

The Value of Home

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

By: Rebecca Rice, L.AC
Change, whether it is physical through location or state of health, emotional, mental, job related, etc., can challenge our sense of stability and connectedness.  As a simple notion, change is considered growth by some and can be interpreted in a negative perspective as well.  All in all change is a catalyst for the ebb and flow of life, an instrument in the natural cycle of creation and destruction. 
In Chinese theory we look to the yin aspect to ground us, create stability and placidity.  And in the presence of change (yang aspect) this is an exaggerated necessity.  One of the goals of Chinese medicine is to create a balance of yin (grounded-ness/non-changing) and yang (motion/change).  The goal is not to remove one aspect for the benefit of the other. 
   A simple thing to do when having periods of change, whether it is dramatic or ordinary, is to do some grounding exercises for 5-10 minutes/day.  To do this, sit in a chair with your feet on the floor, back straight, hands resting on your thighs.  Close your eyes, sit without fidgeting or distractions, breathe into the lungs so that you can expand your diaphragm to push your belly out slightly, exhale all the air out, and continue breathing this way.  Then imagine roots coming out of the bottoms of your feet and connecting you to the earth….this is home…

Posted in Acupuncture, Mind Body Medicine, Preventative Health, Rebecca Rice L.AC, Stress Management, Traditional Chinese Medicine | Comments Off

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Can be Treated with Chinese Medicine

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

By: Rebecca Rice, Licensed Acupuncturist in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In my practice I have worked with a number of patients who have this diagnosis and are trying to conceive.  I chose to write about this topic because it’s a very common condition; and one which can be positively affected by Chinese medicine.    

The prevalence of PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is estimated at about 5%-10% of women who are seeking treatments for infertility.  This may be a small representation of the estimated 20% of the population actually effected by the disease. 

In Chinese medical theory PCOS is marked by a picture of “dampness.”   This occurs when fluids in the body are ineffectively synthesized and accumulate to form cysts.  As explained in western medicine, there is also a hyper-secretion of insulin and testosterone.  This gives rise to abnormal follicular development also characterized by anovulatory cycles. 

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are beneficial to those with PCOS in the following ways.
1. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can regulate the cycle.
2. Lifestyle changes based on concepts in Chinese medicine help manage weight and promote healthy eating habits.  This is so important because 30% – 50% of obese women with PCOS develop diabetes.
3. Acupuncture and herbs are known clinically to improve egg quality.

In Chinese medicine we focus much of our treatment protocol on the lifestyle changes patient make.  For PCOS, as mentioned above, diet is very important.  Common foods to avoid are those that promote dampness; these are dairy (especially cheese), refined sugar, excessive sweets, and greasy foods.  These will essentially promote weight gain and support the increase of excess insulin and testosterone in the body.

Posted in Acupuncture, Preventative Health, Rebecca Rice L.AC, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Women's Health | 3 Comments, Click Here to Add Yours »

Is it Possible to Have Acupuncture Covered by Insurance?

Monday, August 31st, 2009

By: Rebecca Rice, L.Ac
Is it possible to have acupuncture covered by insurance?Yes! In light of the plethora of news about the reformation of health care, where does Chinese medicine stand?  Many practitioners in the field of holistic and complementary medicine are trying to encourage lawmakers to include services such as acupuncture into the new health care plan.  The national governing bodies for Oriental Medicine, the NCCAOM and the AAAOM are backing this measure.  To support acupuncture coverage please visit:  http://www.aaaomonline.org/  
For information on President Obama’s statement on preventative health care visit:
http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/mpacms/at/article.php?id=31983

Posted in Acupuncture, Healthcare Reform, Rebecca Rice L.AC, Traditional Chinese Medicine | 2 Comments, Click Here to Add Yours »

The Heart is Emperor

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009

by: Rebecca Rice, L.AC

In Chinese medical theory summer is related to the heart, the emotion joy, the sound of laughter, the ability to sleep, and the function of speech and memory. In western medicine we understand the function of the heart to be related to pumping the blood to supply the body with nutrients and oxygen. In Chinese theory we recognize this along with the concept that the heart is the Emperor and houses the mind. The entire human body can be seen as a kingdom where the center of our being is the heart and the other organs are part of the whole functional dynamic, each with their own unique and necessary roles for the proper maintenance of the kingdom.

The nature of the heart as Emperor is to make its decisions based on clarity. When the heart/mind is clear we sleep well and we are present in conversation. Decision making is easier because we are focused. Things that are harmful to the heart and cloud its ability to “rule” are excessive alcohol intake, anxiety, stress, late nights, and over-thinking; which diminish and stagnate the heart qi causing conditions like insomnia, mania, confusion, poor memory, high blood pressure or depression.

To remedy these symptoms it’s important to clear the mind. This can be cultivated through meditation, quiet contemplation and a lifestyle that allows you to manage the stressors of life. Try being present, listening to your spouse, children, and friends. When they are sharing something with you about their life, look them in the eye and avoid the rustle of thoughts in your own mind. Meditate daily. Clear your mind by beginning the day with 5 minutes of meditation in the morning (for beginners, 30-60 minutes for seasoned meditators). This will give your ‘heart’ a sound ‘throne’ to sit on for the rest of the day.

Posted in Acupuncture, Preventative Health, Rebecca Rice L.AC, Traditional Chinese Medicine | Comments Off

Qi: Going With the Flow

Thursday, May 28th, 2009

by: Rebecca Rice, M.S, L.Ac.

Often patients come to the Center for treatment and say to me, “my qi is out of whack….” Or “Can you fix my qi?…”  To me this relates to a whole slue of different diagnoses in Chinese Medicine, requiring different acupuncture point combinations and herbal recommendations.  The cause of “blocked qi” is related to different symptoms, stemming from stress to shoulder pain, infertility to migraines.  The commonality of all of these symptoms is the basic idea that qi is blocked: it is not flowing to areas where it ought to, or there is a buildup of qi.

Aside from acupuncture specifically, there are things to keep in mind that will help keep the flow of qi running smoothly.  By following the guidelines of Chinese nutrition, eating foods that are known to create blockages should be avoided.  These are foods that are too spicy, too greasy or fatty, and high in sugar.  Also eating too much or too little food is not advised.  We know that exercise is crucial for musculoskeletal strength and function as well as cardiovascular health; a body that moves regularly will keep qi moving as well.

The state of our qi and health is also related to the emotions.  We will experience all emotions at certain points in our life, some more frequently than others.  However if sadness, anger, concern, fear and even bliss become a more constant state, qi will become stagnant (blocked) as these ‘natural emotions’ turn into their unhealthy counterparts (depression, rage, anxiety, paranoia, and mania or bitterness).

A healthy state of qi is also influenced by thermodynamics, or the natural order of things.  If we are to deny the next step based on need or destiny, then qi can also become blocked. For example, if at 11pm I ignore the fact that my body needs to sleep, staying up until 1 or 2am, then I will deplete my reserves leading to lassitude the following day.  All in all, go with the flow! When the mind is clear the heart will flourish …

Posted in Acupuncture, Rebecca Rice L.AC, Traditional Chinese Medicine | Comments Off

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