EnerQi Acupuncture & Wellness

12/13/2022

Dang gui (Radicis angelicae sinensis) is associated with both stimulating and inhibiting effects on the uterus, thereby regulating menstruation. Because of this effect, dang gui is beneficial and can be used before, during and after menstruation.

Shu di huang (Radix rehmanniae preparata) has a marked stimulating effect on the endocrine system, with the mechanism of action attributed to inhibiting negative feedback signals to the pituitary gland.

Ba ji tian (Radix rorindae officinalis) also stimulate the endocrine system and increases the production and release of hormones.

Yin yang huo (Herba epimedii) also stimulates the endocrine system by increasing production and secretion of endogenous hormones such as corticosterone, cortisol and testosterone.

06/01/2022

The Ovulation phase begins with a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) and FSH levels. LH stimulates egg release (ovulation) which usually occurs 16 to 32 hours after the surge begins. The estrogen level peaks during the surge and progesterone levels begin to increase.

In Chinese Medicine, this is when yin energy is at its peak and yang energy begins to rise. This is when your body goes from yin (just before ovulation) to yang (just after ovulation).

The primary treatment plan during this phase is to help the eggs mature and to promote ovulation. Yang herbal formulas or herbs enhance the surge of LH, which stimulates ovulation. Other acupuncture points and herbs have a moving effect which help the egg on its way through the fallopian tube towards the uterus.

03/01/2022

During the follicular phase, it’s important to increase the amount of iron, zinc & vitamin D in the diet.

Iron helps produce red blood cells and transports oxygen throughout the body. Blood loss during menstruation can reduce the amount of iron in the body, resulting in low energy and fatigue. Eating more iron-rich foods during this stage can help compensate for this deficiency.

Your body is actually more receptive to activities like strength training, so it’s a great time to focus on fitness and eat foods that support muscle growth and recovery.Consume carbs (ideally complex carbs) and enough protein during this phase to support your more active lifestyle and increase energy levels.

Continue to ensure you get enough iron and vitamin C to replenish levels that may have been depleted during your period. It can also be helpful to incorporate sprouted and fermented foods that metabolise oestrogen, such as broccoli sprouts and kimchi.

02/28/2022

Follicular balancing herbs tend to benefit yin energy and estrogen. The traditional Chinese formula that treats yin deficiency is called Zuo Gui Wan. Because detoxing and improving liver metabolism benefits estrogen balance in the body, many liver qi moving herbs are also used to strengthen the luteal phase, particularly for those people with inconsistent basal body temperatures and heightened stress. Dandelion root (Pu Gong Ying) and milk thistle are well known for their liver cleansing properties. Red clover, burdock root (Niu Bang Zi), evening primrose oil and seaweeds are beneficial to the follicular phase and are detoxifying and protective of toxic xenoestrogens from the environment. Red clover and marshmallow (Yao Shu Kui) can increase cervical mucus around ovulation. Yin yang huo is also effective for increasing the LH surge.

02/15/2022

The follicular phase starts on the first day of your period (there is some overlap with the menstrual phase) and ends when you ovulate. The hypothalamus sends a signal to the pituitary gland to release FSH (follicle stimulating hormone). This hormone stimulates the ovaries to produce around 5 - 20 follicles, which each contain an immature egg. Only the healthiest egg will mature and the rest of the follicles will be reabsorbed back in the body. The maturing follicle raises estrogen levels that leads to thickening of the lining of the uterus.

The second phase of the menstrual cycle is all about yin essence in Chinese Medicine. The feminine, cool, moistening energy. Kidney Yin increases for 14 days as Kidney Yang declines. Sufficient Yin is important for Blood, o***y formation and conception.

Goals - Nourish blood and yin hormones

02/08/2022

During your me**es, it’s common to feel low on energy and feel achy. Nutrients can be helpful to boost energy levels, improve mood and reduce pain and cramps.

Key nutrients: iron, vitamin C & magnesium

Iron plays an important role in energy production, oxygen transport and blood rebuilding, which is important during menstruation as women can lose anywhere between 50-80mL of blood.

There are two types of iron that comes from food: heme and non-heme iron. Heme iron, which typically comes from animal products such as grass-fed beef, ox and lamb, is easier for the body to absorb and then re-use.

Non-heme iron, which comes from plant-based sources, is able to be used by the body. However, you need to eat an increased amount and pair it with vitamin C to increase absorption. Chickpeas, lentils, quinoa, kidney beans and kale are great plant-based sources of iron.

Magnesium has been shown to help with period cramps and aches and to potentially help balance mood as well.

Leafy green vegetables like kale, watercress and spinach are a great way to get more magnesium into your diet. Pumpkin seeds and almonds also have a lot of magnesium. You can spread some almond butter on some sliced banana for a sweet treat during your period.

02/07/2022

02/07/2022

Here are some of my favorite TCM herbs that can help during your me**es!

Ginger (Sheng Jiang): is a commonly used herb in Chinese Medicine because of its ability to warm and expel cold in the body. Sheng Jiang blocks excess prostaglandin formation (pro-inflammatory chemicals). Prostaglandins help the uterus contract during menstruation and shed its lining. Excessive prostaglandins have been linked to menstrual cramps and severe pain.

White Peony Root (Bai Shao): can help build blood in the body as well as keep the Liver functioning smoothly, which is important for estrogen metabolism and healthy periods.
One of the interesting effects of white peony is its ability to calm muscle spasms. It’s often used for muscle and tendon pain caused by spasms. The uterus is also a muscle and in that same way, it can help relax the uterus when it is spasming during menstruation.

Licorice Root (Gan Cao): strengthens qi, moistens dryness, moderates spasms and pain and is used to detoxify other herbs. From a modern view we see this as improving energy, promoting homeostasis and proper function of physiological processes as well as harmonizing other herbs. Licorice root is able to moderate spasms and alleviate pain, especially in the abdomen and legs. Glycyrrhizin and flavonoids are the 2 major constituents of licorice, and flavonoids are antioxidants known to improve circulation, reduce inflammation as well as even relieve tissue damage.

Cinnamon Bark (Gui Zhi): Promotes sweating and relaxes muscles, Warms and unblocks the Channel and Calms and directs rebellious Qi downward. Cinnamon twigs help to warm and promote the flow of blood and qi (energy) in the blood vessels of the uterus. This is in cases of stagnation of the free flow of qi in the female reproductive system accompanied by symptoms of cold, notably in women who get cold easily. It is popularly used in a variety of herbal formulas to ease menstrual pain.

01/31/2022

A time to conserve and maintain your energy

According to TCM, the health and function of the menstrual cycle is regulated by three internal organs: Spleen, Liver and Kidney’s. If even one of these organs is in disharmony, it can lead to pain, discomfort and dysfunctions.

The Spleen’s function is to turn food into blood and energy (Qi). It’s blood that nourishes the tissues of the body and provides the basis of the menstrual blood that lines or is shed by the uterus. The spleen helps to move blood and fluid around the body.

The liver’s function is to move Qi in the body as well as aid in the ability to store blood.

The Kidneys’s function to store the essence of the body. Think of essence as the DNA or genetic material that is passed from generation to generation. It’s the blueprint of the body that governs how the nutrients are processed by the spleen and energy moved by the liver. Additionally, the Kidney’s governs growth and development. They can be thought of as the body’s biological clock.

Goal during me**es: To prevent fatigue as the uterus sheds endometrial lining. This should be viewed as a time of detox, and the body needs to rest during detox. This is a time for rest and self care. Refrain from physical activity in the first few days and then move to slow paced activities like yin yoga, meditation, or restorative yoga. It is important to listen to your body.

12/14/2021

08/29/2021

04/20/2021

Looking for an amazing black bean burger recipe?!

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🔳Black bean burger
🔳Whole wheat burger bun
🔳Sriracha aioli
🔳Lime cilantro hummus
🔳Spinach
🔳Avocado

Nutritious and delicious!!