The Nest, Acupuncture & Apothecary

14/05/2025

The supplement world out there can be very confusing, not least the social media posts about the huge amount of medicinal mushrooms supplements that are sprouting up everywhere. I like this post by Micronutri. This is where I purchase my medicinal mushrooms from and I trust their methods and knowledge. The mushrooms can be sourced back to where they are grown and they are made in the UK.

Let's be honest...

It seems logical: brain fog? Reach for Lion's Mane. Afternoon energy crash? Grab Cordyceps.

But what if your "healing" mushroom is actually causing damage?

The truth: medicinal fungi aren't simple one-trick remedies. Each carries hidden complexities most wellness influencers never mention.

Did you know Reishi has contraindications for certain conditions, such as those who are on anticoagulant medication? Or that many mushroom supplements contain fillers that completely negate their benefits? Our health team is here to support you with evidence-based guidance.

It's worth reviewing who is guiding your mushroom journey. A yoga instructor's Instagram post, or someone who understands fungal biochemistry and drug interactions?

Before swallowing that next capsule, ask yourself: Do I really know what I'm putting in my body?

👇 Have you experienced unexpected effects from mushroom supplements?

17/04/2025

Join me and the Corehealth Chiropractic team on Sunday 18th May for the Bump, Birth and Beyond workshop where I will be chatting about acupressure for birth preparation, labour and post partum. Check out the other speakers by clicking on the event link.

11/03/2025

The freedom at the end is just amazing! There is a lot women can do to make this transition easier by improving their general health and wellbeing, and to feel strong so that they can enjoy this newfound freedom. Acupuncture and Herbal medicine have stood the test of time and are a wonderful evidence based resource to help smooth the journey.

07/03/2025

I love making up a new formula. I always think it looks like a work of art. The herbs look amazing, smell wonderful, and taste delicious. Please take the time to read the text in the adjacent photo (in blue), about the benefits of East Asian Herbal Medicine and the menopause transition. The results of a recent trial comparing phytopharmaceuticals and HRT and overall health implications is a must read for anyone looking for help through the transition - and also for therapists working in the area of Women’s Health. This is what Chinese Medicine has been recommending for thousands of years. Great when modern science is backing up what the ancients already knew.

07/03/2025

I love making up a new formula from the whole herbs. I think it looks like a work of art. Not only do they look great but they smell and taste delicious taken as a tea. For those going through the menopause transition or therapists who work in the area of Women’s Health, please take the time to read the information in the next post. It highlights a trial which compares phytopharmaceuticals and HRT. The results show that the herbal medicine is associated with lower risks of overall cancer and all cause mortality. I always think it is wonderful that modern medicine is demonstrating what the ancients in Chinese Medicine already knew thousands of years ago.

28/02/2025

So pleased to announce that I now have my medicinal mushroom qualification and can be found on the Uk and Ireland Mycotherapy Practitioners Register (UKIMPR). Studying the wonderful world of mushrooms left me with a huge appreciation for these wonderful beings which have so much to offer us. Here are just a few examples of how they can help:
Cancer Therapy, Cardiovascular Health, Depression, Insomnia/Anxiety, PCOS, Fertility, Menopause, Inflammatory Bowel Disease,, Chronic Fatigue, Liver Damage, Inflammation, Nerve Damage. If you would like to know more please do get in touch at: alex@thenest.scot

04/01/2025

Some Acu Facts from the ARA regarding the benefits of acupuncture for fertility and pregnancy.

Acupuncture, is increasingly being embraced as a holistic approach to supporting pregnancy and addressing fertility challenges.
For women trying to conceive, acupuncture can enhance fertility by regulating hormonal imbalances, improve energetic and blood flow to the reproductive organs, help to regulate the internal organs, and also reduce stress, which is often a significant barrier to conception. By addressing these factors, acupuncture may increase the likelihood of successful conception, whether naturally or alongside assisted reproductive technologies like IVF.

During pregnancy, acupuncture can not only be an aid to maintaining the optimum health of the mother, it can also help alleviate common discomforts such as nausea, back pain, and fatigue. It can support emotional well-being too, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
Many women turn to acupuncture in the third trimester to prepare the body for labour, again helping to maintain the health of the mother, but also to optimize the baby’s positioning and encourage cervical readiness.

Combining the wisdom of TCM with modern medical care, acupuncture offers a gentle, non-invasive way to nurture both mother and baby.

23/12/2024

12/06/2024

Another very recent study demonstrating that acupuncture alongside IVF treatment increases the pregnancy rates in women with recurrent implantation failure. 🙌

Acupuncture combined with GnRHa improves the endometrial receptivity of patients with RIF of IVF-ET, thereby increasing clinical pregnancy rates and improving pregnancy outcomes.