Los Angeles, CA Acupuncture, Parenting Blog Acumomma

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!!!!!

Swine Flulu

acumomma — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:56:00 GMT

I have had two clients with the flu in the last week. Is it the swine flu? How have they chosen to get through it? One has done all natural remedies including:oscillococcium check it out at oscillo.com which is a homeopathic Rx. for flu which I LOVE! Along with various anti-viral Chinese Herbal formulas I recommended. The other came to me after a few days and had begun Theraflu from the doctor.
I was recently emailed these two links from two MD.'s here in California, Dr. Jay Gordon and Dr. Lauren Feder. They are Western Pediatricians that also include alternative, natural treatments within their practices. The articles give alot of info regarding the current H1N1 virus, it's history and their opinions regarding to vaccinate or not. What are the potential risks, etc.
Dr. Lauren Feder: drfeder.com/index.php?page=articles&action=viewArticle&articleID=306
Dr. Jay Gordon: http://drjaygordon.com/development/news/swinefluhighanxiety.asp.
The usual preventative measures include reducing or eliminating refined sugars (nearly impossible in my household considering the Holloween weekend trick or treating bounty), washing hands frequently, (keeping my 3 year old's grimy paws clean and out of her nose is a challenge).
Dr. Jay Gordon's recs:Astragalus: one dose three times a week will help support immunity during flu season (This herb seems to be valuable only before an illness and not during.) Echinacea and Goldenseal: one dose every day in a liquid or chewable form. My favorite is echinacea tea. (Preventatively I would do 1 week on echinacea. Take a few days break - then repeat. otherwise it stops working as a potent anti-viral). Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids: I recommend for children (and take) 500 mg of vitamin C per year of age divided into 3-4 doses each day during cold and flu time. (A five year old would get 2500 mg and a 10 year old 5000 mg. The maximum dose is 10,000 mg--Less if C gives you diarrhea.) Elderberry is a patented and proven viral treatment. Probiotics: 5 to 10 billion CFUs each day to build immunity.
These are all great. I would add - steaming with Tea Tree Oil (antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal). Using a great nasal spray. I have ordered bioessence cold/flu prevention with xylitol (antibacterial/viral), homeopathics, colloidal silver, etc. Xclear is also a good one. Along with Euphorbium. Depending on the actual symptoms - I rec. Evergreen's herbal formulas (by practioner prescription) Lonicera Complex (based on Yin Qiao - amazing anti-viral for sore throat/swollen tonsils, high fever), Respitrol Cold or Respitrol Heat depending on cold or heat symptoms with respitory component (cough, phlegm (clear/white is cold, to yellow green is heat). Chinese formulas have potent anti-viral effects however we prescribe according to the chinese diagnosis related to symptoms - so there is not a one cure for everyone.
I have noticed many clients are having a elimination/digestion aspect to their flu/illness this year - aka. nausea, diarrhea, vomiting. The Chinese Herbal formula will be modified to deal with this. Hope this helps. Wishing all of you a healthy happy fall/winter and new year!

PICNIC IN THE PARK

acumomma — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:57:00 GMT

Cons to living in a 2B2B Weho (West Hollywood for you out-of-towners) Apartment - no patio, no backyard, no frontyard to romp and play...
Pros to living in a 2B2B Weho Apartment - 3 blocks away is Plummer Park - site of many a birthday for the girls, a safe little Russia to go play and run around in. AND the location of an outdoor screening on Saturday night of Kung Fu Panda with Jack Black! To sit outside with "peeps" from the 'hood - picnicking, with folding chairs and blankets - in the cool relief of night - July in Los Angeles can be HOT but after the sun goes down - blankets are needed. It was a moment to enjoy a sleeping 2 1/2 year old on my lap, and count the blessings of life - health, family, neighborhood, safety and peace...AMEN!

Spiritual Offerings from the Angels

acumomma — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 01:28:00 GMT

So... I must confess - I have resumied my morning java. My story is ...I am preventing Parkinson's (my mom has this) and Alzheimer's! The upgrade from prior to my 3 week (did not last the month) sugar/caffeine cleanse is...The instant java fix is sans sugar. With a yup, yup to the agave! The reprieve from sugar was both challenging and inspiring and empowering. My biggest note to self was that I yearned for the caffeine rather than the sugar.

I am currently handling some stressful situations like a master juggler with hot potatoes - basically keeping the balls in the air while whittling away, one at a time, the necessary stressor. There are some affirmations/mantras if you will that were gifted to me by my friend, bellysecrets instructor, and on and off angel, Maya Karasso, who was meditating in Topanga Canyon at the beginning of the year and channeled What she coined as the mantras for 2009: "Working through attitude to gratitude". Brilliant - right? I had called her and she seemed down. She told me she was working through attitude to get to gratitude. Indeed, when we are in gratitude - we are at peace. All the stories, the ego = the attitude which often feels like a palpable blockade to peace and wellness!

You've heard the expression - that which you resist persists? Maya's 2nd mantra for 2009 - "Working through resistence to existence!"

I have begun the book: Bringers of the Dawn by Barbara Marciniakwhich is pretty heady stuff - teachings channeled from enlightened beings from our future but also from now since time is elliptical - it offers interesting, though provoking ideas of our existence - personally on this planet and collectively. Basically, by remembering that we are Family of Light, that we share an ancientancestry with the universe around us and we become "bringers of the dawn,"consciously creating a new reality, a new Earth. Love it! And I am only on chapter 2!

To summarize - I am Walking this life path, Remembering, and Keeping the requisite Sense of Humor - so to quote a bumper sticker that I saw on line: "Namaste Bitches!"

Day 13 - Nature Abhors a Vacuum

acumomma — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:14:00 GMT

Daily Mantras: "I am in love with my life!" "My life is sweet (without sugar)" - Psychologically I am missing the coffee - the ritual - the "Perk" - doubts waft through my conciousness - "Why did I go cold turkey?" - wouldn't it have been better to substitute Green Tea? That is my recommendation for patients/clients that are interested in boosting adrenals and eliminating coffee. Why did I choose to superhero it? Nature Abhors A Vacuum - what did I replace my pleasures with?

Renew tea from T.J.'s is a refreshing hibiscus, rosehip, nettle, etc. blend - tasty with no sweetener - hot or cold. Good antioxidants, minerals, nettles - detoxifying...
Tulsi Rose from Whole Foods - AHHHH! Tulsi is an adaptogenic which means it adjusts to your body - with the Rose - I am loving it - just added to my regime today.

Last night I went to my friend, Maya Karasso's bellysecrets class, she just returned from performing in Morocco and had a lot to share - her classes link to the astrological sign of the month so this month is Gemini and it was all about discovering our "wings". Great - My right shoulder/scapula has been bugging me - I have been twice this week to the chiropractor to pop the rib head back into place. So when I started the class, I felt pain and after 1 1/2 hours of inspired movement - I felt Great! I realized that for all the movement we as moms/dads do - picking up 28 lbs toddlers, carrying groceries/bags, running around - Healing, Medicinal movement is Key whether it is through Dance, Yoga, Stretching, Qi Gong, Tai Qi. Maya's class begins with 15-20 min. of Qi gong which normallhy my monkey brain is thinking - come on, let's get to the dance. Last night I actually became the movement and the breath and found great healing for my "wing" area through the movements.

So I sit here this morning - after a 1 1/2 hr. phone call with AT&T that brought me to tears (did lower the bill from $315 to $88 - so there is some vindication in that!) reflecting back on last night and realizing that I can totally make it through the 30 days and the coconut/date cookie that Maya served was amazing/sweet and didn't have refined sugar - so I may explore some yummy recipes - if only I could get my girls on the program....

Medicine Woman Heal Thy Self!

acumomma — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:12:00 GMT

So without excuses - I begin to blog again. There are those of my mother's generation that say that if you remember the 60's - then you probably weren't a part of the 60's. Well, the last year has been - sans narcotics and flowers in the hair - but still a whirlwind - that when I sit to recount remains a blur! Within this time period - I returned to daily coffee and sugar excess, lack of exercise - barring running after the 2 1/2 year old Tarzan daughter, and irregular eating habits - a.k.a. coffee with 2 sugars for breakfast, make kids breakfast (whole grain pancakes), while they eat, make the lunches. Drop them at school. Go to work or do errands. Maybe remember to shove something in my mouth around noon - or not. Pick girls up at 3 - and then possibly remember that I did or didn't eat and scarf something down - fruit, sandwich, leftovers. Take girls for fro-yo, go to park, come home make a dinner. And in between if I had to stop by Trader Joe's for food, grab a sample coffee (don't you love them?) with 2 more sugar packets. After dinner, get girls to bed - bath, brush teeth, books. And then - I would look at dinner, food, peace...
Okay - the dirt is out. I feel somewhat liberated...Actually embarrassed - The medicine woman who preaches regular eating habits, moderation, lifestyle - not only fell off the wagon - but rolled over to the nearest house of excess and has languished there for months!
So the fallout - no energy (without my coffee), no appetite (until kids are asleep), hi stress, and body aches - low back, shoulders, and particularly around my kidneys - mid back. Hormonal imbalances - needing to cry at every nostalgic commercial or moment. And feeling off - way way way off. Except after the coffee or sugar moment - when life is manageable and I am...SUPER WOMAN! And after the sugar spike passes - I am comatose on the bed looking at my children allowing them to play doctor on my reclining form...
So this new moon - I sat around a firepit with some sisters and realized that change begins now and I threw any concious fears into the fire and committed to healing the medicine woman so that she would be fit to heal others again. English? Starting Saturday - No Caffeine, No Sugar! (Friday night - I made sure to end my meal with a cappuchino with extra foam and extra sugar.)
Well today is Thursday and I am still alive. But Saturday was beyond challenging - basically I wanted to kill myself and everyone in the vicinity. A nagging aching headach wandered around my forehead and temples - reminding me that tomarrow is always a better day to start a cleanse than today... Saturday night I was ready to quit and to start anew on Sunday - but I persevered with sister support via telephone lines. Sunday through Tuesday I was depressed, the thought that life would never be "sweet" again couldn't be swept away with any mantra or positive affirmation - though I did try the "I am in love with my life" one with some results.
Wednesday woke up to my "moontime" - a period that was welcome as at least I realized why life seemed to dark and sad...
So here we are today - I honor the choice I made - I still miss the coffee - Trader Joe's is no fun anymore, and all bakeries need to be banned and shut down. But I will let you know how this progresses - there has to be light at the end of the tunnel...Right?

In Life - Through Death

acumomma — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 07:36:00 GMT

My great-aunt Rina was buried today in Israel. I got the call while at work and I was immediately overwhelmed with sorrow. I did not know my aunt very well. The ties that bind us are very strong. Her daughter and my mom were very close. I lived 2 years with Sara, Rina's sister, during my Jerusalem/Army adventure. Rina and Sara are 1 year and 3 months apart in age. "It was a very unique bond" Sara told me this evening. The sisters were close to the point of being kindred spirits. My great-aunt Sara and I had many a discussion around her kitchen table while I lived there. And to hear her hurt (not verbally expressed but within the timbre of her voice) caused such a tidal wave of emotion for me. She is such an important person in my life - a sage, a crone, a wise woman, an advisor.

It made me look at what a short time we have on this earth and as death often does, caused me to ponder our purpose during that short time. Death is always hard on the living, those left behind. Rina is at a better place, her heart and health in the last week got the better of her vitality and her fight. But it is her daughter and her sister and the family that must deal with the loss. And she was such a Strong Powerful Spirit! What a Woman! That the loss is palpable. I cry less for my personal connection to this great woman, though I would have loved to know her better. But she was so easy to be with, it was an immediate connection... I cry with compassion for my loved ones - her daughter and her sister - whom I feel as If I were the daughter or sister. Our tribe is strong, we are never alone though we may feel so.

We have the opportunity - each day - to be each other's heroes and angels. It is the purpose. To love and be loved. To be of service and promote each other's success and our humanity's success depends on being aware of our inter-connectedness, we are all one - in sorrow, in joy, and throughout the challenges that we face - we are family.

Happy New Year! That is...

acumomma — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 22:57:00 GMT

Happy New Year! That is...if you buy into the whole Gregorian Sun calendar thing. Personally, I like the moon based calendar - it jives with my mother religion (I am Jewish on my mother's side) and it resonates more with my natural cycles. But that is neither here nor there in the huge scheme of things. The fact of the matter is that there is a collective consciousness based around this Gregorian calendar and therefore many people en masse take the time to reflect on the old (2008) and make intentions and plans for the new (2009). Reflection is never a bad thing and if we take the time to reassess the various aspects of our lives that are working or not working for us - All the more power to us!

I am personally looking forward to 2009. My optimistic nature tells me that 2009 cannot possibly be as challenging as 2008... I know, I know - famous last words. But I metaphorically march forward with renewed optimism and hope and NO EXPECTATIONS! The energies are shifting both in our leadership, our society, and our selves. What an adventure! We'll have to stay tuned to see what comes next.

For now - i pray for PEACE! Within our personal internal states, within our collective conciousness and most importantly within our international states.

Blessings to you all!

Getting "Your Cycle Analyzed"

acumomma — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 20:26:00 GMT

    Last week I received a reminder from the universe in the form of a static-laden voicemail message. The caller ID stated: Gahl Sasson. He is a Kabbalist/Astrologer that I had given a massage to 4 years ago as part of a barter that I had not redeemed. Several of my clients had raved about him to me and I had (back then) picked up his book, A Wish Can Change Your Life - on Kabbalah at the Bodhi Tree Bookstore. Well, they raved to him about me and we decided to do a trade. I gave him bodywork and we left it at - I'll read the book and then we will have a private lesson/session. Flash forward - a few years (didn't get through the book - there are exercises in it and I still haven't got to it...) I had my second daughter and I thought, wow - I should get her chart done. I had my older daughter's chart done after she was born - and it is a fascinating blue print of a soul's tendencies/predisposition for this lifetime. So I emailed him and asked for this and he was out of the country (this was a year and a half ago). Then I emailed again last spring. Well - I didn't have his telephone contact number and time passed. Ellah turned 2 at the end of September and then last week his phone "magically" called me. When I called him back - he stated that he hadn't called. HMMM....The Universe is conspiring...
    I had set an intention to be more aware of the Signs - so after a brief reconnecting - we scheduled a reading or rather a cycle analysis. According to his card he is a "cycle-analyist" which sounds alot more current then astrologer (which evokes all kinds of responses in people - namely - "you believe in that baloney?").
    It was a short 30 minute session where he bombarded me with a lot of info (luckily recorded on a CD to share with my husband tonight after the kids are asleep!). He was able to give me a very detailed overview of her temperment and her karma and what she has brought with her to this lifetime. He connected her to my chart and to her sister's chart and also gave me a heads up on the next 3 years. It was a great REMINDER of my own challenges and TIKKUN (in Kabballah this is the CORRECTION that you are here for in this life - aka Karma). I give him a 5 star rating and if you are interested check him out at www.CosmicNavigator.com. His new book Cosmic Navigator just came out and he is doing a book signing for his new book by the same name, Cosmic Navigator, next Thursday at the Bodhi Tree at 7:30pm.
   May your 2009 be as blessed as mine is forcast to be!

Flu Season, Election Season, Bail Out Season- how to prepare

acumomma — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 04:48:00 GMT

Here in Los Angeles, we are having wild fires after a typical Los Angeles dry, hot summer. As if our lungs didn't have enough to contend with - namely, L.A. smog, the fires are burning and all sorts of crazy materials beyond the brush and bushes, the homes, the paint, the chemicals, are permeating the air. Additionally, the temperature are fluctuating - sometimes 30 degrees in a 20 hour period. The body is thrown into flux. And then... You add the pervasive social and communal stress of the economical, geo-political climate that we are living with....WHEW!
What to do?
1. Exercise - hike, yoga, swim, cardio - get your Endorphins going naturally - you need them!
2. Develop a calm sleep routine - bath, book, bed. The triad (mind, body, and spirit) need the rest!
3. Eat well - forgo the processed, canned, white flour, white sugar. Go for the fresh - fruits, veggies, grains, legumes, enjoy in moderation free-range, preferably organic dairy, meat, fish.
And if your diet isn't all that regular or great - make sure you are taking some whole food based supplements.
The girls have their favorites, Ellah (age 2) LOVES her DHA fish oil chewable orange flavored soft capsules (I tasted it and don't get it). Lishai (age 7) takes 2 Perfect Food tablets to supplement the her veggie intake (enzyme rich, easy to digest greens - grasses, veggies by the Garden of Life Company www.vitaminshoppe.com have them for a great price). I love the Garden of Life products and use there practitioner line called Original Medicine in my practice.
4. Laugh - even if you need to fake it at first, take your clue from 2-5 year olds - they laugh over the silliest things - it reduces the harmful stress chemicals that cause illness and disease.
5. Favorite supplements - Essential Fatty Acids (flaxseed, borage oil, evening primrose, fish oils) - no one gets enough in their diet; CoQ10 and Alpha Lipoeic Acid - Liver function enhancement, brain food, anti-cancer - very helpful for urban living, Goji juice - by Freelife (my kids take it out of the fridge when they are getting sick and ask for it, yet don't go for it at any other time. I try to do 2 oz a day), Garden of Life Perfect Food tablets - bse despite loving salads - most of us don't get enough of these greens, Cal/Mag - for sleep, muscles, all women need calcium - most don't get enough
6. 8-10 glasses of water a day. Try to drink them before 5pm otherwise it may keep you up at night peeing.
7. Positive Thoughts - get a good relaxation CD to listen to to meditate, do self-hypnosis, visualization -
This list isn't the be all end all but these are positive steps to keeping the immune system strong in hard times.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: If you are feeling overwhelmed with all that is occurring. Think about this... A Garden needs to seasonally be fertilized - yes it is stinky and full of sh-t - but it is fertile ground for new seeds, ideas, creation. We need this sh-tty situation to grow! Also - gardens need to be pruned - so it is a perfect time to cut back the excesses and see the beauty in the pruning process and result.

Namaste!

Activating 'The Network" - Asking for Support

acumomma — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 06:13:00 GMT

Today: I lay down for a nap at 6:30pm - exhausted in mind, body and spirit. Sleep deprivation from husband, kids, life compounded with the responsibilities of mother, wife, health practitioner, daughter - care taker. I knew I needed a shift before going to treat a client at 8:30pm.

I began to wonder why we don't have a personal distress symbol/beam. You know, like the one the city of Gotham has to call Batman? And why we can't access it when we are not in severe distress, just when we need a pick up?

When I was pregnant - the universe magically conspired to shower upon me gifts (expensive diaper bag from a client, car seat, etc), strangers were kind, and my very busy friends took the time to surround me with love and support.
When a friend or client is in crisis - ex. detoxing from cigarettes/drugs - friends/family surround him/her with support.

Why can't we have it when we are not in crisis? Why can't well intentioned, positive friends and strangers magically appear and surround us in regular moments for exhaustion and life and sing to us,

"We are here to tell you that you are wonderful and beautiful. We are here to tell you, that you are always whole. We are here to notice that your loving is a miracle. How deeply you are connected to our soul."
(A NCWHS song).

As I was thinking all this - of course I started to smile and relax. Because I realized that I have the ability to call on this support - ANY TIME and ANY WHERE. I have the ability to give it to myself just by REMEMBERING!

This past week - I realized that my girlfriend Sherry and others had gifted me with several compliments - What a great friend and person I was. How special I was. How important I was, how together I was, etc. And I was like, "Thank you." But you know the "thank you" that I am talking about - the embarrassed "thank you" that is hiding the hidden thought - "If you only knew" or the hidden thought, "okay - yah right"

The Truth: I was not truely present to The Gift that was being bestowed upon me in energy, intention and words. So like an abandoned gift that remains under the tree at Christmas time - unopened. I put it aside and had a pity party of how unsupported I am and how overwhelmed I am.

Zoom to the present: As I lay in the twilight that occurs before sleep - I opened those neglected gifts - I drank in the nectar of those thoughts and words and intention bestowed upon me by my fabulous network of singing goddesses! And it was Good! I was nourished, revitalized and rejuvenated.

I remembered: I am whole complete and perfect. All is well! I am supported and I am strong. This is EASY!

My Baby is Coming Home!

acumomma — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:27:00 GMT

I am beyond excited! In less than 24 hours my baby is coming home! My 7 year old, stayed an extra month in Israel with my mom. They are, as we speak, flying - I am guessing over Europe, on their way back to Lala land. This was a huge thing. We haven't been apart for such an extended period. Dedi is even more excited. He hasn't seen her in 2 months!
We have spoken everyday on the phone. I know she will be more mature and grown up. While in Israel she had the opportunity to watch my mom's dog mate in the park. I quote, "Guess what Meech did today?"
"What?"
"Meech mated in the park. She got stuck to another dog Soof for a long time. It felt like forever (laugh)."
my answer, "So I guess you learned how puppies are made."
Her answer, (laugh) "Yep!"
needless to say - this will most likely be the starting point of several conversations in the near future!

Other exciting topics - I am back to Gonging! The Gong is an amazing tool for meditation and healing. I used to hold monthly Gong Baths (not an actual bath - but aptly describes the sensation of the waves enveloping the body in sound) but during the 2nd pregnancy I slacked off. But I am back! We held a private gonging in Lisa's home. She recently bought 2 gongs and so I have passed on the knowledge from my father, Gongmaster Don Conreaux (check out his site www.holistic-resonance.com ). We will have our next gong bath on September 27th from 7-9pm. I can't wait! Will be gonging at the New Moon Circle (this saturday night). For more info on the amazing gong go to my website www.gonghealing.com!

Have a fabulous day! Remember - You are whole, complete and perfect!

Let's get Running!

acumomma — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:00:00 GMT

I have been into yoga, qi gong, hiking for the last decade. My roots began in sports - AYSO soccer began at age 7 and continued through high school. High School cross country running to prepare for Track and Field, Soccer in the winter. In college I played one year of soccer before getting a knee injury and then I moved to the less dangerous sport of Rugby! I never got injured with Rugby because I just ran fast and tackled before getting tackled! But after being a physical fitness instructor in the the Israeli army - I got burned out of physical fitness - seriously burned out. I turned to yoga, qi gong, and hiking. I love the mind, body, connection of the latter disciplines. I love connecting to nature with hiking.

Now that I have girls and I have gotten enough "Education" on what's going on in school, media and basically the phenomena of 8 year old girls who are like the 8th graders of yester year. Seriously folks - it can be pretty scary if you choose that route. The sexualization of the media and our youth is heady stuff.
Instead - I look into the light and see communication and discussion and sports as the way! That being said, My 7yr old's 2nd year of soccer begins in September. And after being inspired by my triathalon mom-friend, Pam, I have decided to begin training with my oldest daughter for a 5K! I will let you know how that goes. First she has to return from Israel! Have a great end of summer!

There's no place like home...

acumomma — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:50:00 GMT

Wow! I've been back for 2 weeks. And after reviewing the last entry, I realize that I left you all hanging. Yes, I got better. Then my little one had a 105 temp for 24 hours which began with puking all night. Good stuff. But we all recuperated and went on to face new challenges.
Wowie wow wow - so many lessons and so many challenges in such a short space of time. I will not go into the story - though it's a good one.
Needless to say - I missed my LALA land support group and I joined my sisters around the bowl for our new moon circle. The theme was Surrender and boy oh boy did I surrender!
I SURRENDERED: All injuries to my mind body and spirit and any cellular memory of the past 28 days, my illusion of scarcity, and FEAR!!!
I was gifted by one sister with VASTNESS and that has been my mantra this month. I AM VAST!!! So to let you all know - I will, I am winning the lottery this month. My birthday is tomarrow and I will be celebrating.
And as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz stated so eloquently - There is no place like home!!!!!

Penicillin - Knight in Shining Armor

acumomma — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 07:09:00 GMT

We spent friday night with family in Jerusalem, celebrating Lishai's 7th birthday (3 days prior). It was beautiful to see her beaming as they lifted her up in a chair 8 times singing to her (an Israeli tradition). Catching up with cousins I hadn't seen in 11 years, seeing everyone grown with families of their own was a lovely treat.

Woke up in the middle of the night with a pain in my tonsil. By the morning I had severe chills/aches, headache, SORE throat - started to take the oscillo and yin qiao (not my first choice since this is for Wind-Heat manifesting with high fever, sweating, and sore throat and I was clearly in the Wind-Cold stage with no fever, headache, but working with what I had). Dedi's brother, the girl's uncle took them for a fun day of arts and crafts while I slept, slept, slept to no avail. By 4pm, my headache was so bad and still no relief from the symptoms - I took the pain/fever reliever. After severe sweating - a 4 hour respite. Then the chills came back full force. I knew I must make the 1 hour journey to Tel Aviv where my mother's abode beckoned me with promise of chicken soup, childcare, hospice and love! I took another Israeli pain reliever and made the journey via taxi.

By the next morning, the pain was so severe, and the ache in my joints, lympathic regions- neck, groin, arms, legs - I knew it must be strept (I had this 13 years ago while here in Israel in the army). The white patches on my tonsils had shown up and I knew straight Goldseal tincture on the tonsils (not a yummy treatment) was the only alternative treatment possible. It is illegal to sell it in Israel. So I started antibiotics last night.

Still can't talk yet, hoping for relief in the next 24 hours, definitely feeling better - no body aches, chills, sweated like a devil last night. But those who know me - Queen and advocate of the mighty herbal kingdom - believes in the power of Penicillin and Western Technology. Cause when all else fails - go for the big guns and deal with the aftermath later (yeast infections, lowered immunity, etc. etc.).

BTW - Lishai may have chicken pox...more on that later....cheers!

For parents - is being on vacation, really being on vacation?

acumomma — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 03:43:00 GMT

Day 7 in Israel with the two munchkins. Hubbie is back home in Los Angeles, working, playing, taking care of the daily responsibilities of the house/business. And enjoying the freedom of being single (no wife, no kids) for the first time in 12 years! Am I envious. No. Would I want to change places with him? Sure! Though this trip with the kids has brought me much pleasure and lessons.

Lesson #1 - Check passports before you book your trip, not the morning of the flight when your husband goes to the bank security deposit box where they are kept only to return and announce that yours and your oldest daughter's US passports expired in february! Luckily, as we have dual citizenship we can fly to Israel with our Israeli passports. We only need our US passports to return to the US.

Lesson #2 - Check passports again! Driving to the airport 3 1/2 hours before the flight, find out the oldest daughter's Israeli passport expired 10 days ago! Bee-line to Israeli consulate where 50 tense and embarrassing minutes later, they miraculously issue us a new one. Leave the Israeli consulate with kind words and a smile from the woman who helped us, "Don't you know, you don't leave these kind of arrangements to the men?" I assure her, I will never make the same mistake again

Lesson #3 - Keep breathing when dealing with US embassy beauracracy. The instruction are to contact them since they do not take walk-ins. You need an appointment. Calling the telephone number listed, get message that they are not accepting phone calls and to go to the website to set up an appointment. The automatic appointment system's earliest spot is in August - 15 days after I return to the US! Get to the Embassy to find out I need a notarized consent form from my husband in America to get oldest daughter's passport issued. Am told that appointments were issued for July 16th, to check back with automatic system as they can't give me an appointment date there! Get home and check system to find no appointments in July!

BREATHE! Wake up next morning at 6am and find - MIRACLE OF MIRACLES - an appointment date of July 21st. Book it!

Lesson #4 - The Mediterranean Sea in July is beautiful - clear water, lukewarm, and dangerous! Jellyfish - while not visible will sting you. And it burns. And peeing on the burn relieves the pain. And peeing on eachother is definitely a family bonding moment!

Lesson #5 - Don't tip Israeli taxi drivers ever! Half of them aren't local and don't know where to go and will take you for a ride! Arrange price before you start trip.

All in all - we are having a great time seeing family and friends. With the major weak dollar - it is a challenge to keep within a budget - a coffee and a cafe runs you $4. A kid's meal is $10. Groceries are more expensive than in the US! Don't know how they do it here as they don't make as much as we do.

Wishing you all the best summer ever, see you in August! Hope to write soon - we'll see when I will be next to a computer next!