Los Angeles, CA Acupuncture, Parenting Blog Acumomma

"Mom, Can we go now?"

acumomma — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 21:35:00 GMT

I have heard, over the last few hours - "Mom, can we go now?" "Mom, when are you done?" "Mom, can I have a playdate?"
I am at work. Seeing clients. My almost four year old is in preschool. The nine year old refuses day camp, insisting on playdates. Well, most moms work, and she's already exhausted her 2 stay-at-home mom/friend playdates. Now it's my turn to reciprocate - and so she must wait until a non-working day for it to happen at our house! Harry Potter interested her for 35 pages, the ipod and the "annoying orange" on youtube has kept her entertained for the last few hours (really, they are kind of amusing), but she is ansy. Ah well - I am here for another 4 hours (time to call dad and see if he will take her...)

Horrendous Hormones and Adolescents on the Verge...

acumomma — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:18:00 GMT

My nine year old came home from 2 week-sleepaway camp. Tears of joy, a lovely lunch (despite the cranky almost 4 year old - yes, yes - adjusting, adjusting), and afternoon followed.
This morning - with no clear plans for the rest of the summer except for wanting "lots of playdates," We spent the morning calling friends and set something up for later in the day. I then explained that I had 1 hour to hike/exercise then go to work. She could run errands with dad or come hiking. Well, maybe the incline was too much - but I had a frowning, kvetching, arms crossed the chest adolescent trailing me up the steep incline of Runyon Canyon. I was furious! I explained to her I had 30 minutes to hike and then I had to get to the office. She had the choice to go with dad and she chose hiking with me. No explanation worked, she trailed behind (arms still crossed).
I lost it (I admit it) - I told her I loved her always but right now I hated her. She was wrapped up in her own selfish, ego-centered attitude and I stormed down the hill to the car. A last minute intuitive decision told me to veer to the left downhill to a different trail rather than back to the car. She cried to give her a second chance and I breathed and said yes (still trailing behind) I chose a less strenuous hike which led to a magical, isolated, shaded area and swing. I began to swing and waited for her to arrive. When she did, I gave her a turn and I stretched and did pushups on a log. So we had a lovely 15 minutes and when another family came over, we headed arm in arm home to quick shower. She stated that she was glad that she changed her attitude. I was glad that we were able to change the mood and experience but was left depleted and "down." I had to do some cleansing/affirmations in the shower to rinse of the residual "bad energy" and was able to get to work in a clear, complete way.
It is amazing to me how she can push my buttons the way no one else can. Anyone else dealing with peri-hormonal adolescents?

"You are not the _______ that I thought I would have" - The Transient Nature of Emotion

acumomma — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 16:55:51 GMT

"You are not the mother I thought I would have," declared the almost 4 year old child of mine between bites of breakfast cereal. I looked at this person sitting on my lap - a mini-version of me by everyone's observations and took a breath. 'Wow' has my thought. Calmly I answered, "How would you feel if I said to you, 'You are not the daughter I thought I would have'"?
"I wouldn't like it." she sullenly answered.
"What makes you say that?" I ask curiously.
"I don't know," was her response.
She went on to tell me that she had the best dad in the world and he had the best car in the world. Within the span of the next 12 hours - I was vilified, adored, admired - with sentiments ranging from, "You are so mean" to "You are the best mommy in the world" to "I love you so much."
As words have power - I started to look at how I was affected by the various declarations of this kid and everyone else I interact with on a daily basis and how to best respond (looked to Celestial Prophecy for indepth exploration of energy pulls/drains/creations). Intellectually I know that she is 3 3/4, authentic/without a filter, and living in the "Present." Also, as kid #2 - I've done this before. Also - I am in a very balanced state of being right now (eating regularly, getting great nightime quantities of sleep) - so I can approach life's stresses with a degree of ease.
But what happens when I am sleep-deprived, stressed, hormonal? Intellect goes out the window and "Reaction" becomes the norm.
So solution: self-love (eat regularly and well, exercise, sleep) - to deal with energy pulls from every direction.
Okay - that was easy.
And the reflection/observation: Everything is transient - thought/feeling - this too shall pass. Looking to see if there is a kernel of truth to statements others throw at you - and if so - rectifying behavior/action, or if it is their "stuff" being projected upon you - or in the case of an almost 4 year old - a "trying on" of expression/emotion/being.
In anycase - I was left with a bit of pride at her formulation of expression - I mean really, "You are not the mother I thought I would have" is pretty darn clever!

Feeling Safe in Troubled Waters

acumomma — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:12:00 GMT

I have a Zen book of quotes in the bathroom. The perfect quiet spot (sometimes) in a hectic household. Sometimes there is only time for a quote or two. Othertimes, I will read through whole sections. With everything that is occurring in these "troubled" times - BP - the end of everything from an earth fart (yes - I read that in one today in one of the Yahoo articles - they've discounted the world ending from a large methane bubble without actually showing any proof to why it isn't probable or possible or likely - which makes me think they are just trying to appease the masses), the probably collapse of the world economy, to the very personal - how to pay my bills this month. Yes "troubled" times. So when you are in trouble - how do you get out? Appologies? To self, to the government, to the banks, to the credit cards (so sorry - I can't pay you this month). Hmm -
So within the peace and trusting that all will work out. All of this is supposed to be happening. Breakdowns lead to Breakthroughs - and baby, this sure feels like a Big Breakdown on a personal, social, communal, cosmic level. I pray.
I wonder how many more people have turned to prayer to get them through the tough times. Not being particularly religious - I find this new communication with G-d/HigherPower/Divine Self/Universe a warm, fuzzy security blanket. Amen, so mote it be - and so it is. Yippy Ka-Yay!

Watched Food, Inc. and I am telling you now - go watch this film Today! sign petition too....

acumomma — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 22:03:00 GMT

You MUST watch the movie "Food, Inc." - TODAY! My husband (an avid fast food consumer, coke drinker, meat & potatoes kinda guy) and I (primarily vegetarian with some free-range/organic chicken or wild caught fish if need extra protein kinda gal) and we were shocked, appalled, informed, and enrolled - in the change that Must take place here in America - our basic rights of freedom of speech, of choice, of health - of everything are at stake! Geez! My husband was appalled and astonished by the fact that farmers are not allowed to reseed their crops (they will get sued or harassed due to the GMO patents of seeds of crops such as soybeans, corn, etc.) See this movie today and write in! We must exercise our power as consumers in the choices that we make. I am so proud (he bought water rather than coke today!).
Monsanto is the big company that patents and produces all the GMO seeds (they will investigate independent or organic farmers which are not using the GMO seeds and prosecute them if they reseed and their crops have been contaminated by GMO (very likely as the neighboring farms are primarily GMO now).
Watch the movie! Make good choices! Take action! Let's get our power back in the food we eat!
Please take a moment to click on the link and let the USDA Secretary Vilsack to maintain the ban on GMO alfalfa -
http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/monsanto_alfalfa_vilsack/index2.html?rc=confemail&r_by=10008-2895872-pStVuPx

Sunny Foot Massage - misnomer - Sunny Whole Body Massage - Heaven in the Urban Jungle

acumomma — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 21:52:00 GMT

Sunny Foot Massage www.sunnyfootmassage.com is located in the heart of Thai Town in an inconspicuous mini-strip mall next to a bridal cake shop, dentist, and liquor store. Walking into a room with 8 oversized pink armchairs, the large room is simply decorated with a large koi fish embelished gold fan and a foot reflexology poster. The friendly, quiet staff direct you to one of the cotton-candy colored plush chairs and you are efficiently reclined, your feet immersed in a warm wooden tub of water (lined in disposable plastic - hygiene 5 stars, eco/green - no stars), and the journey begins! Close your eyes, for the next 60 minutes you are transported. Amidst the rubbing, poking, sweeping, rolling, tapping, and even some slapping - your arms, hands, scalp, legs and feet are treated with expert hands to the ancient practices of shiatsu, acupressure and reflexology. The light, hypnotic electronic music and the babbling water feature lull you into deep relaxation. After 40 minutes, a warm towel is draped over your legs and feet and you are instructed to turn over. The armchair reclines and a headrest magically appears! Your neck, back, and glutes now join the shiatsu party! You arise from your pink cloud of heaven and are offered a cup of water. After paying $25 (for the 60 minutes of bodywork heaven) and adding a generous tip to your professional massage therapist, you are offered a frequent visitor card (10 visits and the 11th is free!) - and you know this wonderful experience is worth making a habit of AND that wellness and well-being are possible in the Urban Jungle. Namaste!
(Sunny food massage is open 7 days a week, from 11am-11pm and is located at 5169 W. Sunset Blvd, 90027
60 min/$25 (with free head, shoulder & back massage)
40min/$20

Kids are Growing Up! Where has my baby gone?

acumomma — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:11:00 GMT

My nine year old celebrated her birthday yesturday at sleepaway camp. Camp is but 2 hours away, however we have no contact per camp request. That being said, I am friends with the director and was able to check in with her. I was appeased by her reassurances that Lishai had been sung to by 120 of her peers and resoundedly acknowledged and blessed and that she was not homesick! Despite this, I still felt a yearning for her that I hadn't felt for the last 4 days since her departure. The overwhelming feeling for most of this week was how much easier living/dealing/parenting one child (the almost 4 year old) was! So now, at work - missing my pre-pubescent baby - I am struck with the complexity of parenthood - the tugging and pulling - as children grow older and more independent - their needs/our needs as parents - to hold on/to let go.
My solution - to observe the emotions, feel the feelings, embrace the mystery - and breathe!

Insect bites, bee stings and tics - immediate treatmet tip

acumomma — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:26:03 GMT

Yesturday, I got a 4 year old client with a swollen, red, hot, foot from a bee sting. For severe allergic reactions - N.A.E.T. is great for food allergy, environmental allergies including animal, pet, air, etc. and also insect bites!
Most of us know to remove the stinger and then put in cold water or baking soda. A trick I learned at the Herbal Symposium when my daughter was 3 1/2 and got a tic - was to remove the offending creature, apply lavender essential oil (natura antiseptic) and then apply a paste of clay or mud to draw out the toxins.
In this season of travel, camping, etc. - thought this might be useful!

Seweed recipes - Per Your Request!

acumomma — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 18:36:00 GMT

I wasn't going to make you wait too long!
Sea palm becomes a great green/black noodle when soaked for 20 minutes. Ad your favorite pesto (cilantro, garlic, etc) and serve! Yum!
Agar Agar - is great for desserts (it is vegetarian gelatine). You can make a coconut banana flan, a lemon verbena panno cotta, a mango jello - add 4 c. juice to 4 tbls agar - boil 5 minutes and then refrigerate.
Take almond mild + agave + agar - as it is setting, put in freezer and you will have gelato!
Other ideas for the Wild Devotion sisters include bladderwrack cheesecake and green tea/seaweed ice cream!
Prannie Rhatigans Irish Seaweed Cookbook is inspiration! www.prannie.com
/>Nori - has the most protein of the seaweeds - in nature it looks like a sculpture - not naturaly in flat squares!
Gomasio - is an amazing combo of 7 seaweeds, spirulina, sesame seeds - to sprinkle on salads, sides, entrees etc.
1/2 an avocado + gomasio, scrambled eggs + gomasio, rice/quinoa + you get the picture.
All seaweeds - soak for 30 minutes
An Idea - add 2 dried shitake mushrooms (medicinal) and 2 pieces of kombu - soak for 30 minutes. Add some red onions (cleansing lungs), yellow onions, garlic, and any veggies, some ginger and voila! (Add carrots at the end).
There is more coming... Enjoy!

Making Seaweed Sexy!

acumomma — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 18:24:44 GMT

Sea plants are amazing food and Medicine! I am here to convince you that Seaweed is Sexy!
Having returned last month from the Northern California Women's Herbal Symposium (www.womensherbalsymposium.org)

I am devoting the next few blog entries to the Amazingly Nutritive, Sustainable, Essential Incorporation of Sea Vegetables into our daily diet for Maximum Health and Wellness. (I hope from my exaggerated use of Capitalization, you are getting how Passionate I am about this!)
I had the opportunity to meet with two amazing sisters from the Wild DevoOcean Seaweed Collective: (www.wilddevoceanseaweed.com), up in Northern California - a collective Devoted to sustainable harvesting of this most precious commodity! These ladies are rockstars - to hear the stories about how they venture forth - a few days out of the year - to sustainably harvest seaweed - talk about Xtreme Sport! They are preserving the integrity of the plants and providing us with a food that is insanely high in essential trace minerals, protein, iron, and more!
So as background let's start with this: Hijiki, arame & wakame each contain more than 10 times! the calcium of milk, sea lettuce contains 25 times the iron of beef, and depending on when they are harvested, kelp, kombu, and arame contain 100-500 times the iodine of shellfish and 600-3000 times the iodine average of other marine fish! Whoah! Also Seaweeds are also one of the few sources of fluorine, which boosts the body's immune system and strengthens teeth and bones (better than that artificial fluoridated water some of you are buying for your kids - augh!). Sea plants contain 10-20 times the minerals of land plants as well as crazy amounts of vitamines and other elements for your metablism and wellbeing.
If this isn't enough to convince you - sewweeds have the amazing ability to detoxify the body - the "shlime" produced when you rehydrate dried seaweed (simply by soaking in water for 20 minutes) will bind with the heavy metals and radioactive elements in the body and convert them to harmless salts, which you will pee/poo out. Easy!
In Chinese medicine, the ancient texts state, "there is no swelling that is not relieved by seaweed." So sea plants are used to reat swellings, nodules, lumps, goiter, swollen lymph glands, edema, all skin diseases marked with redness, tumors, chronic cough with heat signs (yellow/green phlegm). Sea weed is very useful for fibroid tumors and cancer.
Seaweeds are useful for weightloss programs and for lowering cholesterol and fat in the blood. The mucilaginous gels (algin, carrageenan, and agar) specifically rejuvenate the lungs and gastrointestinal tract.
Convinced yet?
Those of you trying to get pregnant? The same "shlime" that is produced when you soak the seaweed - makes an excellent lubricant which seems to be an amazing facilitator to the conception process - I told you Seaweed was Sexy! So incorporate seaweed into your (hmmm....) baby-making activities!
You can bathe in seaweed- really fun in the tub, or eat it.
Ideally, you will use sea plants regularly in meals. Because they are so potent - 1/6-1/2 oz (5-15 grams) of dried seaweed (before soaking or cooking) daily is great. You can also supplement with some kelp tablets.
So the next question is - Where do I get it? How do I make it?
Check out the www.wilddevoceanseaweed.com website (For bathing - I love the turkish towel as a reusable facial/body exfoliator - I imagine myself a mermaid as I bathe among the kombu/kelp - my girls love it too!) or your local wholefoods/health store.
Now for some recipes - google to your heart's delight for wait breathless in anticipation for my next blog entry!

My Mother - Becoming the Parent of Your Parent

acumomma — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 18:54:00 GMT

My mother is a wonderful, optimistic, generous soul. She was a dancer and as a single mother, went back to school when I was in grade school to become a social worker. While in school, she worked with runaway teenagers. In the 80's - 90's, she worked the downtown, South Central, East L.A. area. When the case loads went from 30 children to over 60 and she found that she was not able to really make a difference in the children's lives, she transitioned to working and advocating for Elderly with Alzheimer's. In 2000, She began working with children/teenagers with Learning Disabilities at the Kayne-Eras Center in Culver City. In 2002, She was diagnosed with Parkinson's and shortly therafter had to stop working when it affected her vocal cords. With no savings or assets, she was unable to survive on the $800/month from SSI and moved to Israel in 2008. Last month after a huge shift in her health (she lost control of the lower part of body, including legs), she was hospitalized and diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis aka Lou Gehrig's disease) - a form of motor neuron disease that is a progressive, fatal, neurodegenerative disease caused by the degeneration of motor neurons, the nerve cells in the central nervous system that control voluntary muscle movement. Sheffy has lost the control of her legs and lower body and is currently in the a wheelchair. She is in need of aid - energetically, financially – for the full time care that she now requires. She does not want to return to the U.S., so as the only child, I am put in the position of honoring her wishes, raising an additional $500 for the full time care that she now requires. Whew! I am exploring new avenues for revenue.
It is a wake up call, having been living month-to-month with no savings, I realize that I need to change my life to prepare for my future, have a lot of kids to take care of me in my old age (this I say in jest), and make short term miracles happen to deal with the present.
85% of the time I am buddhist and calm and 15% I am crying - which I feel is a healthy ratio given the situation.
I See the Karmic patterns. No one asks for such horrific illnesses (esp. the two together!) But for someone to give unconditionally to the community all her life. I see the bigger picture. Now she needs my, our support. It is an opportunity for expansion, realization of our common web of existance. And the necessary need to stretch and reach out to each other. Together miracles happen.
I realize more than ever, the call to the community - for help. With no expectation, pure possibility - if her story, my story affects you - all contributions big and small are appreciated (checks can be mailed to Sheffy Eloul 7654 Fountain Ave #8, LA CA90046).

That being said - I am devoting The next 3 Gong Baths - June 13th, July 11th, and August TBA @Heaven and Earth 7122 N. Beverly Blvd, LA CA to funding my mom's care.

Also - I am doing a raffle, for those who can come and those who cannot. $5 for one, $20 for 5 - Please check out the link to see the wonderful prizes being offered!

INSTRUCTIONS: Please fill out Name & Contact (Tel # or Email).

If your ticket is picked, you will be notified by requested contact method. Please write legibly. Raffle drawing will take place July 30^th. Purchase of tickets can be done at Gong Baths on June 13^th , July 11^th , August (TBA) @Heaven on Earth or Mon, Wed. Fridays @Fairfax Wellness center (1042 N. Fairfax Ave.) or by sending in payment to Sheffy Eloul @ 7654 Fountain Ave #8, LA CA 90046 (Please enclose note that it is for raffle tickets). Winners will be notified by email/phone & posted @ www.gonghealing.com 9/1/10.

***FABULOUS PRIZES***

WELLNESS

BEAUTY

MISC. SERVICES

MERCHANDISE

New Patient Wellness Session (includes consultation, NAET allergy assessment, Acupuncture, & 20 minute hot stone massage or cupping

($225 retail value)

Consultation & Custom Haircut & Style by Hairstylist to the Stars “Dedi” in Beverly Hills ($180 retail value)

1 year Personal Tax-Return by Accounting Solutions Services, Inc.

($300 retail value)

A Box of Delectable Silvermoon Chocolates

($50 retail value)

) 1.25 hour custom massage by Yaelle @1042 N. Fairfax Ave, West Hollywood, CA

($125 retail value)

?????

More to come!

?????

?????

New Patient consultation & chiropractic adjustment by Dr. Michael Close, D.C. – West Hollywood ($80 retail value)

Embracing the Mystery

acumomma — Sun, 16 May 2010 15:20:00 GMT

Friday night, I entered Aleks' home for the last time (she is moving to a new abode in Venice, CA) for the monthly new moon gathering that I have been fortunate to be a part of for the last 6 years. Having missed the last 3, I was excited to join the ladies for a night of good eats, ritual, and intention. This month's theme was embracing the magic of our existence - within the mundane, day-to-day life - how can we enjoy the magic that is there around us?
My intention was to embrace the Mystery. Not discount it or call it 'Weird' or play into the coincidence of it all - just embrace the Mystery.
Ex. I have the oddest dream- outside b-b-quing with friends at my old teenage home, staring at the sky where these huge clouds and this fire ball where melting into each other, when all of a sudden the fire turned into a coming meteor and hit these huge sky high trees nearby. The trees started to fall and we all ran to get into a large park clearing. Everyone was safe and I was concerned about my daughters, but their schools evacuated to the park and we were reunited.
That same morning, a pregnant client came in and explained that she hadn't been in for a while due to this 80 foot tree falling on her property (mushing her car and falling on her house)! "That's So Weird!" I mused. This is the second time I have had a random dream before one of her visits that related to some situation that was occurring in her life.
SO - no more weirdness - just a surrender to the mystery that is this amazing life.
There is more...but it will wait for next time...Enjoy!

Judgment

acumomma — Tue, 11 May 2010 19:55:00 GMT

My epiphany in the Living Library BTW is that Judgement (admit it, we all do it!) is but a momentary Pleasure or momentary bit of Suffering. However, its power is that it keeps us in duality. Judgment keeps us separate and prevents us from the bliss of knowing the Truth - that all energy is One and we are but a part of the whole. AHA!!!

Breakdowns & Breakthroughs - Nature, Nurture - Perceptions we all have...

acumomma — Tue, 11 May 2010 19:38:00 GMT

Happy Mother's Day! Spent an Amazingly Perfect day in my friend, Maya Karasso's Living Library - a 4 terraced, garden of paradise in full bloom - with crevices and spaces to disappear, relax, rejuvenate. Lit a fire - roasted potatoes - disappeared into an afternoon of timelessness...
Was it uneventful? Not in the least. Approaching my 37th year, I imagined experimenting/learning how to light a fire in their firepit. I asked my almost 9 yr if she wanted to help. She was excited and her almost 9 yr old friend stated that she knew how to light a fire. I said, "Great - you can lead us." And what followed was my almost 9 yr. old complete BREAKDOWN! She sulked away to cry, cry, cry.
I tried to approach her and she stormed off. I went down to the garden, ate a plate of food, calmed myself - I mean really. REALLY - On Mother's Day? I so did not need want desire the drama. So I go back into the house and she is still (20 minutes later) Bawling. And she throws this at me, "When I am in Pain, you NEVER Nurture me!"
WHAT? SERIOUSLY?
The baby that I held for 18 months in attachment parenting/Maya Wrap mode, is saying that I Never Nurture her?
Besides being a acid-tinged dart through my heart, I realized this was the opportune time for life lessons. And really, in the whole scheme of things - what better time than Mother's Day?
I explained as well as I could. That I was sorry she felt that way. That it was beyond hurtful for me with my history of mothering her. And that whenever she hurts herself, I check with her to see her response, since day one of walking. Do you get up? Brush off and keep playing? Do you call for me? Because when you call for me, I am there- with kisses, hugs, Reiki, Touch Assists, ice, traumeel. arnica, everything!
Sometime in the last year or so (with the onset of Adolescence) she decided that I needed to read her mind. To know what she needs. I explained to her, that Communication is the only way to assure your needs are met and you are happy. People's biggest mistakes in relationships is making the Ass-u-me-ption that we can read each other's minds to know what the other person needs. This killed my parents' marriage and I see it in relationships around me. So to share this observation and behavior with my 9 yr old was invaluable.
She GOT IT!
Also - we talked about how Feelings are important. BUT - Feelings are not Facts. Feelings are our story/perception from a situation. And we have the power to change the story. You want to feel hurt, bad, sad - great! Feel it! But when it does not serve you - you have the power to change the story. Practice this on a daily basis and be free!
So - within the drama came the breakthroughts - there is no rest for the Mothers - even on Mother's Day!
Cheers!

To Question, To Answer - Springtime - Liver Qi Stagnation and what it means to me

acumomma — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:59:00 GMT

Spring time is here - blue skies - billowing clouds, occasional showers. In 5 Element Theory - Spring is associated with the Liver and Gallbladder, the element of Wood, the eyes, the color green, sour tastes, reproductive organs and emotionally/mentally - organization, planning - laying down the blueprint for the upcoming year. Wood Imbalances manifest themselves as stress, irritability, TMJ, PMS, depression, moodiness, anger/rage. When the Wood element really gets crazy it affects connected elements - Fire (heart - insomnia, anxiety, saddness) or Earth (stomach upset, heart burn, belching, alternating constipation/diarrhea). Whew - I seem to see alot of neck pain every spring for some reason. And of course lots of allergies this spring due to the high pollen count. For those suffers - check out www.naet.com because there really is no need to suffer when there is such a non-invasive solution to reducing your sensitivity to the environment!

I just got back from Napa Valley where I spent 3 1/2 days with my college friend, Danielle Wiley. Check out her blog - foodmomiac for great pictures of the old faithful geyser we visited, along with us soaking in mud baths!

I am definitely in flux this spring- deciding/choosing - resisting/flowing - Do I continue on my TCM health practioner path (now over 10 years in this field), do I run back to Napa and join the CIA (Culinary Institute of America) to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming a chef? do I meditate in the possibilities, do I wait for a sign from the universe?

I am definitely in the Question mode, not so much in The Answers....

This Sunday Evening I am conducting a Gong Bath Meditation at Heaven on Earth Living Center - the theme is exploring the huminous - maybe an answer will be revealed....

Depression, Pregnancy, Acupuncture - Research Study

acumomma — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:12:00 GMT

Okay - so this isn't my bloggy thoughts - but an article that is still informative and good info for all women, men who are connected to pregnant women - etc.

By Serena Gordon
HealthDay Reporter by Serena Gordon
healthday Reporter – Mon Feb 22, 11:48 pm ET

MONDAY, Feb. 22 (HealthDay News) -- Women who experience depression during pregnancy may have another treatment option, new research suggests.

The study found that women treated with depression-specific acupuncture had a 63 percent response rate compared to a 44 percent response rate in women treated with control acupuncture or massage.

"We tested acupuncture as a standalone treatment, and the results are very positive," said study author Rachel Manber, a professor at the Stanford University School of Medicine Sleep Medicine Center in Redwood City, Calif. But, she added, because this is the first study of its kind, and the acupuncture protocol used was specifically designed for this study, "you always need replication of the findings."

Dr. Shari Lusskin, director of reproductive psychiatry at the New York University Langone Medical Center, echoed that sentiment. "It's encouraging to see alternative treatments being studied in a scientific manner, and this study should generate further studies. It needs to be replicated on a larger scale," she noted.

"This is one treatment, and perhaps it will become another possible treatment tool in our therapeutic toolbox," said Lusskin. But, she cautioned that "acupuncture is not a substitute for the appropriate use of antidepressant therapy especially in women with a prior history of response to antidepressants."

As many as 20 percent of women may experience depression during pregnancy, according to the March of Dimes. Symptoms include sad, hopeless feelings that persist, generally for more than two weeks, Lusskin said. Women may also experience severe anxiety or feel disconnected from the baby. And, she cautioned, suicidal thoughts are never normal and are a sign that you should seek help.

Many women are cautious about using medications during pregnancy, reports the study. Interpersonal psychotherapy is an option for women who are depressed during pregnancy, but this type of therapy isn't always available, according to the study.

For the study, Manber and her colleagues recruited 150 pregnant women who were diagnosed with a major depressive disorder. All were between 12 and 30 weeks of gestation.

The women were randomly assigned to one of three groups: depression-specific acupuncture (52 women), control acupuncture (49 women) or massage (49 women). The depression-specific protocol was designed just for this study, and the control acupuncture was specifically designed to avoid using acupuncture needles in any areas known to affect depression.

The treatments lasted for eight weeks. Women received treatment twice a week for the first four weeks, and then once a week for the next four weeks. The treatments lasted an average of 25 minutes.

The researchers found a 63 percent response rate in women who received the depression-specific acupuncture, while the response rate was 44.3 percent in the control acupuncture and massage groups. A response rate was defined as a 50 percent reduction in depression symptoms, Manber said.

Results of the study are scheduled to be published in the March issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

"We found our acupuncture protocol was helpful, but that does not mean that any acupuncture for depression treatment will be effective. The quality of what you get can differ from one practitioner to another," said Manber.

"Our goal is always to find treatments that have the maximum benefits and minimum risk," said Lusskin. "Many women think it's safer for the baby to go off antidepressants, but there's a real risk to the baby for untreated depression in pregnancy. And, we have enough safety data about antidepressant use in pregnancy that we can make informed choices about managing treatment during pregnancy."

The bottom line, she said, is to talk with your doctor to find the right combination of treatments that can help you. "Depression is not a one-size-fits-all illness, and treatment won't be one-size-fits-all either. If acupuncture ends up being helpful for you, that's great, but make sure you're treated into remission."

More information

To learn more about depression during and after pregnancy, visit the National Women's Health Information Center.

The Little Things...

acumomma — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:50:00 GMT

Parents - you can relate. I am on day/night 4 of interrupted sleep.
No, congrats are not in order.
I do not have a new infant in my home.
Rather, the 8 yr old is sick - started with tummy ache and the incredibly helpful and illustrative "I don't feel good." Okay - what are your symptoms?? "I don't feel good." My first suggestion - stop eating all that Valentine's Day candy from school.
My physical body has always been sensitive to sugar. As a child, if I O.D.ed on sugar (you know, eat a 1/4 lb of the choose your own variety), invariably I would come down with swollen tonsils and high fever within 48 hours. So she obviously has my constitution.
8 year old symptoms progress as it quickly gets into her sinuses and a harsh cough (not phlegmy, just harsh). So gave her herbs and homeopathic for cough and sinuses. Didn't help - fever set in. Sang Ju Yin - formula for Wind-Heat with cough is helping. She is better but that was wednesday (2:30am-5am cough central).
Thursday night from 1:30am-4am, the 3 year old - wakes me up - I need to pee. Her pee pee is hurting. Great - just what I needed - a UTI in my 3 year old.
IMPORTANT - keep the kids away from bubble baths. I broke the cardinal rule over the weekend and it is coming to bite me where it hurts! I Can't get anything helpful into her in tincture form. D-mannose dissolved in water helps. Next day goes to school, comes home it hurts again. Now we are on to D-mannose, Resolve AI (anti inflammatory/antibiotic) and Urinary Support (uva ursi blend with other herbs),
Last night (thurs up again - she is now back in my bed - Augh!). Sleep from11:30pm-1:30am. Woken up by little one. Wet her bed. Hurts again. Give her herbs. Now awake, hear the 8 yr old coughing. She wakes up at 3am - accident - shift her to different bed. Try to get back to sleep. Unsuccessful. 4:30pm fall back to sleep. Wake up by little one at 6:30am ?!?!?!?!?!!?SDG?VSDG? translate as you see fit. At least her pee pee isn't hurting. Continue with herbs. Remind her not to touch! Tell my partner to continue every 2 hours while I am at work. Leave the house groggy and (okay I admit it) bitter, resentful and grumpy.
I do not do well without sleep!
Leave the house, walking to the car and a whiff of some lovely fragrant flower hits me. I breathe it in - internally smile (to tired to actually do the deed). And thank G-d for the little things.
Time to go facilitate healing in others. Grateful for the reminders of life's blessings, Grateful for all that I have. Hopeful that tonight may be the night that I get one night of uniterrupted sleep. Open to the possibility...

Joy, Joy, Joy, I Bring Joy to My Heart Center!

acumomma — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:12:00 GMT

I got a phone call from G-d last month. No really! He asked me if I wanted a free heart scan ($400 value) and having not the best health insurance situation right now - I said sure! Can I bring my husband? My partner who believes IN-N-OUT is health food - especially the fries, who believes that 3 cups of instant coffee with 2 sugars each is a nutritious breakfast, yes that man.

We drive over to Heart Check America in Santa Monica and sit through their 45 minutes shpiel to get us to upgrade to a full body scan or sign up for 10 full body scans for the next 10 years for $4000. We decline the invitation, and we get the heart scan. My husband/partner/man's heart is GORGEOUS! Clean, clear, you get the picture. My scan shows some calcification in the cornary artery....WHAT?!?!?!?

Okay - so when G-d calls you - and gives you a clear picture - you'd be a fool to ignore the signs. I am now on a new regime - to clean out my arteries, get my insides into shape, and all in all - take care of ME!

You might want to know details - okay to paint the picture, I am 36 yrs old, skinny and "historically" as of 1 month ago - cardio-lazy.
I will do the occasional yoga or hike - but for 8 years there has been no real consistency or regularity to workouts. Why? Life is busy! I am health practitioner (I know, I see the irony), parent, wife, housekeeper, shopper, personal assistant to 3, personal driver to 2 - you get the picture. I like food, and I am skinny - so I like sour cream on my potatoes, and I don't watch what I eat (as of 1 month ago).

Today:
I am a cardio lovin' lady - elliptical running while running affirmations through my head (c/o Louise Hays - ex. the Title of this entry). I am getting in 3-4 times a week. Latin Dance cardio on thursdays rock! Body Beautiful (bellydancing/Pilates/Weight training mix) - gotta love the YMCA.

I am a label reading - low low low saturated fat discerning shopper and eater.

I am a pill popping/herb taking person -
morning with some walnut butter and yogurt (need fat to assimilate the CoQ10) -400mg CoQ10, 3000 EFA/Fish Oil, 100mg ALA (alpha lipoeic acid), 400 mg vit E (d-alpha, gamma, beta, delta tocopherols).
afternoon evening - 3000 MSM, niacin, hyaluronic acid (hydraplenish),
Resveratrol, and the herbal formulas - Cholisma and Circulation.
Oy vey - you say? We'll see! In 4 months I will take another scan and report!
Too Your Heart Health Everybody!

The Year of The Tiger - Let's Get the Gong On!

acumomma — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 03:11:00 GMT

So 2010 is the Year of the Tiger! Time to take action steps, complete tasks, smell the roses, Play! Pounce! with purpose -
it is a motivating energy for sure! Back with the family from a 7 day Mexico Cruise through the ports of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas. I am back with qi! recharged and ready to go! After horsebackriding, Dolphin Encountering, and Chill-axing - I am back in Los Angeles and I hosting my dad, internationally reknowned Master Gongmaster Don Conreaux & we are combining forces to provide a transformational wellness experience this month! An opportunity to align from within and without, self and community utilizing TCM, Gong Sound Healing, and Community Qi in a two part transformational healing workshop. I am committing to embracing the tiger and you will see regular/frequent blogging, more exciting experiences and opportunities to explore the realms of acupuncture, gong sound healing, and wellness - as I work on myself, my clients, my family, my community - let us all embrace 2010 and the energy that will make this our year for health, healing, and wellness!
I will note that I was born in the year of the Ox - (typically patient, speak little, and inspire confidence in others. eccentric, fierce tempers. Speak little, and eloquently, mentally and physically alert. Generally easy-going, can be remarkably stubborn, and they hate to fail or be opposed. They are most compatible with Snake, Rooster, and Rat people.) I married a man who was born Year of the Tiger - so draw what you will from that...namaste!

Giving Thanks, Thanks Giving!

acumomma — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:12:00 GMT

I found the best place for reflexology! Picture yourself in a small room, listening to the running water of a water fountain and light music, reclining in a plush pink easy-chair - getting 60 minutes of foot/leg massage for $25! I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT! I left feeling tingly, relaxed and unable to drive! I sat in my car for 7 minutes trying to come back to earth...HEAVEN!
Needless to say - I am so there - once a week. Yes, sir. Once a week. Because for $25 - to get a shift in the paradigm of urban living - well, that is just the deal of the century!
I am filled with Gratitude and it seems the perfect time of year (Thanksgiving fast approaching...) to make that list of Thanks - for health, for my family, for work, for food, for shelter...
Otherwise it is way to easy to get bogged down with: kids who talk back, clients who flake, husbands who get into car accidents and total their vehicles and then wake up at 3am groaning from pain, yet will not accept a treatment from their capable health-practitioner wife (yes, it is true!), rising prices, government politics, war, poverty, injustice....
So, yah, let's get back to Gratitude! AND Share the energy - Giving and Thanks....Amen!

And for those who like to indulge to excess on their Thanksgiving meal - get some Po Chai pills, or Curing pills, or Bao He Wan formula - it will save you! Within 5-10 minutes of taking the herbal pills - your food stagnation, nausea, and feeling of over indulging will disperse!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

WELLNESS	BEAUTY	MISC. SERVICES	MERCHANDISE
New Patient Wellness Session (includes consultation, NAET allergy assessment, Acupuncture, & 20 minute hot stone massage or cupping ($225 retail value)	Consultation & Custom Haircut & Style by Hairstylist to the Stars “Dedi” in Beverly Hills ($180 retail value)	1 year Personal Tax-Return by Accounting Solutions Services, Inc. ($300 retail value)	A Box of Delectable Silvermoon Chocolates ($50 retail value)
) 1.25 hour custom massage by Yaelle @1042 N. Fairfax Ave, West Hollywood, CA ($125 retail value)	????? More to come!	?????	?????
New Patient consultation & chiropractic adjustment by Dr. Michael Close, D.C. – West Hollywood ($80 retail value)