by Paula Wilson © Copyright 2011

Treating Malposition of the Foetus

The use of Traditional Chinese techniques offers a safe, (Guitter et al 2008) effective way to naturally encourage the correct position prior to labour. This is one of my favourite treatments to do as it is very gentle and one of few treatments I get to do without using needles! It involves using a warming herb called moxa to activate a particular point on the foot, for 30 minutes in total (Maciocia 2005). Most mothers to be that I have worked with have found it to be a very pleasant experience.

This procedure can be taught to someone else, partner/friend to continue the treatments daily for up to 10 days – with regular checks to ensure the baby hasn't already turned into the cephalic presentation!!! You will be provided with moxa and instructions on how to use it, and Francesca and Paula will be more than happy to explain to the birthing partner if they mother is happy to have them in the treatment room. It has also been shown by Mitchell and Allen (2008) showed that the mother to be found the treatment relatively easy to carry out and enjoyed the experience.

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by Paula Wilson © Copyright 2011

Ways to Improve Male Fertility

Fertility is frequently considered the responsibility of the female, however research shows that at least 25% of known cases of infertility are as a result of poor semen quality. As such it is vital to ensure conception is as easy as possible, as well helping to improve the health and well being of the soon to be child!

A commonly held belief is that sperm count is the only significant factor, however the motility (ability of the sperm to swim in a forward manner) and morphology (normal shape of the sperm) are also significant.

There are may ways in which one can make simple changes to their diet and lifestyle with the aim of improving general health and also specifically quality of semen samples, these include:

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by Trevor Chisman © Copyright 2011

What is Chi Gung Tui Na?

Taoist Qi Qong Tui Na is a method for directly manipulating and releasing blockages in a patients physical, energy, emotional, psychic and karmic bodies.

Unlike Chinese medical Tui Na which is commonly available in the UK and is aligned with the Chinese Medical arts such as Acupuncture and Acupressure. Taoist Qi Qong (Chi Gong) Tui Na works directly with a patients energy, a highly experienced Taoist Qi Qong practitioner will directly manipulate and balance a patients Qi or Chi by pulsing the energy gates and energy centres of the body and effecting the spiralling energy pathways deep in the body.

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Trevor Chisman © Copyright 2009

A very simple exercise that doesn't require much space or time but can be very benefitial to anyone suffering from back pain. With the Semi-Supine position you lie on your back on a firm flat surface, with your feet flat on the floor and your knees pointing up to the ceiling. The knees and feet are approximately hip width and a half apart

Initially you I would recommend experimenting with how far apart you have your knees and find out what feels most comfortable to you. Ideally you would place a thin book under your head, this book would initially be about as thick as your little finger is long. The book is there to help align the cervical (neck) vertebrae, so that the neck lies flatter against the floor. Allow your arms to drop and your hands to automatically find a resting position on your body, with your elbows on the floor.

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John Williamson © Copyright 2010

Have you noticed that the sensation of hunger is similar to that of worry and anxiety? There may be occasions when you think you are anxious when in fact you are actually hungry. The opposite is more commonly known, were some have a tendency to eat when they are anxious, their minds mistaking stress for hunger.

Imagine an average person who has some natural stress in their life. They get up one morning and because they have a particularly demanding day, skip breakfast. Now because they are so focused on the tasks of the day, they are unaware that they are hungry. However, they are increasingly aware that their stress levels are rising, and start to feel as though they are not going to cope, that they just don’t have the energy to survive this. Actually, it’s all getting just a little too much.

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Dantian, Ming Men and the Motive Force

by John Williamson © Copyright 2010

Hara is the Japanese word for the abdomen. However the concept goes deeper. Hara also describes a particular area within the abdomen, the lower abdomen. The lower abdomen is host to a number of traditional Chinese concepts all of which can be referred to as residing in the space between and below the kidneys.

The area between and below the kidneys is said to store both pre and post natal Qi and Essence (Jing). Fire provided in the form of (pre-natal) Basic Qi and Qi drawn to the kidneys from the Lungs warms and moves the stored Essence to generate and circulate more Qi.

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by John Williamson © Copyright 2008

Hara is the Japanese word for the abdomen. However the concept goes deeper. Hara also describes a particular area within the abdomen, the lower abdomen. The lower abdomen is host to a number of traditional Chinese concepts all of which can be referred to as residing in the space between and below the kidneys.

The area between and below the kidneys is said to store both pre and post natal Qi and Essence (Jing). Fire provided in the form of (pre-natal) Basic Qi and Qi drawn to the kidneys from the Lungs warms and moves the stored Essence to generate and circulate more Qi.

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Traditional Postnatal Acupuncture Treatment

by Francesca Howell © Copyright 2010

Postnatal Care

The Postnatal period generally refers to the six-weeks following childbirth. During this time the body starts to recover and to return to the way it was before pregnancy. In our society there can sometimes be an assumption and an expectation that a woman will feel completely recovered after this six week period. Many women would recognise that it can take much longer than this to feel ‘back to normal’. Some women find that it can be a struggle and experience low energy, depression and can have continued physical issues.

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The interaction of Pre and Post-Heaven Energies

by John Williamson © Copyright 2010

In Chinese Medicine conception is the joining of the sexual essence of mother and father forming what is called Pre-natal or Pre-heaven Essence. This Pre-natal Essence combined with the mothers Essence nourishes the foetus throughout pregnancy. After birth the young infant starts to breath, eat and drink and extracts Essence from the food it ingests. This Essence extracted from food forms what is known as Post-natal or Post-heaven Essence.

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by John Williamson © Copyright 2010

While studying shiatsu, I was introduced to the Heart-Uterus. A meridian that ran from the heart to the uterus, like a thick cord down the midline, its border extending to include the Kidney meridian, and useful in the treatment of female reproductive issues. This meridian was outside the twelve main meridians and the two, of eight, extra-ordinary meridians that we focus on in Zen-Shiatsu. Unsatisfied not knowing the full extent of this meridian I recently decided to question my acupuncture colleagues at Woodland Herbs on the subject.

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Acupuncture and Preparation for Labour

by Francesca Howell © Copyright 2010

I came to learn more about Pre-Birth Acupuncture from reading Debra Betts who is an acupuncturist working in New Zealand. I have learnt a lot from her book ‘The Essential Guide to Acupuncture in Pregnancy & Childbirth’. Her website: acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz/Debrabetts has a lot of very helpful information and includes downloads of acupressure points and diet sheets.

Pre-birth Acupuncture is carried out during the third trimester of pregnancy and is different to using Acupuncture for the induction of labour. The emphasis of treatment is on preparation for labour.

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by Francesca Howell © Copyright 2010

The Menopause is a transitional phase in a woman’s life. Like all transitions it can sometimes be a bumpy ride and whereas some women welcome it with open arms, for others it is a more difficult experience.

Although the menopause is a natural process it can still be a time of uncomfortable symptoms and emotional adjustments. As follicle activity decreases so do oestrogen and progesterone levels. Symptoms, which can be experienced during this time, include headaches, tiredness, lethargy, insomnia, constipation, indigestion, bladder issues, abdominal bloating, inability to concentrate, hot flushes, vaginal dryness and joint pain.

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by John Williamson © Copyright 2010

Do-In is the Japanese name given to an ancient exercise practice that promotes health as well as physical, mental and spiritual development. It is an integral part of the Taoist philosophy that became Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Do-In, or Tao Yinn in Chinese, is said to have been around for 10,000 years and developed from the instinctual need to create balance in the body. It is the refinement of the natural activities of breathing, moving, pressing, rubbing and stretching into a system of exercises and techniques that create flow and harmony of the forces that influence the body.

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