The shift into the spring season brings us many wonderful things! The triggers of winter fatigue are long gone. The days are longer, and with that comes warmth and sunlight. Flowers are in full bloom! With that, comes our old foe pollen. Seasonal allergies can be rough, as the influx in pollen levels means seasonal allergic rhinitis for many. Thankfully regular Acupuncture treatment can help to alleviate symptoms of sinus congestion and assist in draining the sinuses.

Wanna see some research? The mechanisms of Acupuncture for the relief of allergy symptoms are still being studied, though the efficacy in treatment for allergy symptoms seems be linked to Acupuncture having an impact on the immune system. Acupuncture is assumed to modulate the activity of natural killer cells, lymphocyte proliferation, chemotaxis and phagocytosis. Also a reduction of the eosinophil count in the blood and nasal secretion was observed. To put it simply, this can mean a decrease in symptoms of congestion, and runny nose and/or eyes!

For some lucky patients with minor allergy symptoms, a handful of sessions may do the trick! Most commonly patients can find relief with a combination of Acupuncture and either over the counter meds or Chinese Herbal medicines. We carry a TCM blend at most of our office locations that could assist in tackling that histamine response as well!

Tansy Briggs is Now in Old City!

Tansy Briggs is now seeing patients in our Old City office!

She is holding office hours every Wednesday from 2:20pm-6:00pm.

For those new to her, Tansy joined HAC in 2011 after a decade of practicing in New Mexico. Tansy brings her depth and knowledge of treating patients for 20 years with all health care issues from infants to adults. Although comfortable in treating any health issue, Tansy’s most noted focus is in the treatment of fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, pain and chronic illnesses. Tansy is compassionate and provides gentle care in all aspects and stages of your life and health. She practices with an integrative approach to Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, Therapeutic Nutrition, and other Natural Therapeutics, to provide unique and comprehensive care. Treatment and care regularly complements with conventional health care.

Tansy is also an avid author and currently has three ebooks on Amazon: The Key to a Healthy Digestions, The Key to Postpartum Healing and The Key to Infant Nutrition.

An Exciting Research Opportunity for some of our PCOS Patients!

Some of you may be eligible to participate in an important PCOS research study happening at the University of Pennsylvania and Penn State Health. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCP) versus Metformin in the medical management of overweight women and women who have obesity with polycystic ovary syndrome. The study is seeking women in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

The Penn PCOS Center is conducting a clinical trial to compare the effects of medications on metabolic risk factors such as weight, blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol levels in overweight/obese women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) over a six-month period.

Metabolic Syndrome is the name for a group of risk factors that raises your risk for heart disease and other health problems, such as diabetes and stroke. OCP improve menstrual cycles and decrease male hormone levels. Metformin improves insulin sensitivity and some metabolic factors. Currently, there are no clear recommendations for the best and most comprehensive medical management of overweight/obese women with PCOS.

Goals

The study hopes to uncover whether OCP and Metformin together affect the prevalence of Metabolic syndrome, thereby altering the risk profile for the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in women with PCOS.

Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups:Birth Control Pills (to improve male hormone levels) + Placebo PillMetformin (to improve insulin levels) + Placebo PillBirth Control Pills + Metformin

Your participation in this study will consist of a screening visit, followed by 5 study visits.

During this time, you will receive benefits including:Medications for 6 monthsLifestyle and nutritional advicePhysical examsLaboratory assessmentsUltrasoundsBone density scansCompensation

Eligibility Criteria Women ages 18-40Diagnosed with PCOSOverweight or have obesity.Not seeking pregnancy

Exclusion Criteria Currently pregnant or breast feedingHistory of Thyroid disease, Diabetes, Liver disease, Renal disease, Cushing Syndrome.Women taking hormonal contraception or Metformin are allowed to participate after the medication is discontinued for 1 month.Bariatric surgery within the last 12 months.

Compensation

Earn up to $450 for participation

Location

University of Pennsylvania
Women’s Health Clinical Research Center
3701 Market St. Suite 810
Philadelphia, PA 19104
San Francisco, CA 94158

Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Clinical Research Center
500 University Drive, P.O. Box 850
Mail Code H147
Hershey, PA 17033

Principle Investigators

Anuja Dokras, MD, PhD
University of Pennsylvania

Richard Legro, MD
Penn State Health

Next Steps To Apply at the University of Pennsylvania Comple the form at https://tinyurl.com/cometpcos   
For Further InformationView the Penn PCOS study video - https://youtu.be/Y2K9ckjZawk

Even if you’re not prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder, not letting the 13-14 hours of darkness sap your energy is no mean feat 🥱. One of our patients asked how can they have energy when it’s so dark? The easy answers are getting sunlight on your eyes and exercise. On those days it’s actually sunny, get outside and bask in it for at least 10 minutes. Even better, combine it with a brisk walk and the fatigue will improve some.

Can’t muster the energy to even get outside or exercise (even with the excitement of the Birds in the Super Bowl on Sunday)? This is where Acupuncture can come in to give you that spark to get outside. Acupuncture can help to improve the flow of blood and oxygen throughout the body. When blood and oxygen are flowing freely, your body has the resources it needs to function at its best. It's like giving your body a fresh dose of fuel, making it feel like it can conquer the world. The built in power nap sure doesn’t hurt either 😴.

Acupuncture can also help to improve the function of the organs that are related to fatigue, such as the adrenal glands, which produce hormones that help regulate energy levels. By targeting specific points, Acupuncture can make these organs function more efficiently so they can simply do their job better. Add in the general stress reduction benefits and Acupuncture sure can be a great way to help those who are struggling with fatigue.

By promoting the flow of blood and oxygen, supporting organs related to fatigue, and reducing stress, it can help the body regain its balance, leaving you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world.

Oh and #GoBirds 🦅

Practitioner Spotlight: Steven Mavros, L.OM.

What drew you to Acupuncture?

When I was an undergrad at Penn I was planning to go to med school, but in 1997 I did a study abroad in Shanghai. I wanted to learn more Tai Chi which few in America knew and also to see how they practiced medicine. While I was interning at YueYang hospital I shadowed Acupuncturists and TuiNa practitioners who clearly had an amazing impact on the patients and they were integrated into the care just as any other provider; a key piece to the puzzle. When I came back this is exactly what I wanted to replicate and decided to be an Acupuncturist yearning to practice alongside other healthcare providers to complement one another. Needless to say, Penn or Jeff weren’t hiring Acus back then so I had to start my own integrative center and that was the best decision ever.

Current hobby and why you love it?

Last summer at the beach, my step-daughter and I did a medieval themed escape room together and loved it (and managed to escape even)! It was super fun and now we’re mildly obsessed. She’s super smart for a 2nd grader and if we get a few hints we can sometimes solve puzzle rooms meant for 8-10 people. Even if we don’t win it’s a blast and has been an awesome bonding experience for us as we rarely get time alone.

Something happening near the office you work that has you excited?

Sometime early pandemic my family and I (well mostly me) starting getting more into English soccer. There was nothing else to do on Sat or Sun morning and the Premiere League comes on early. Any time I travel the world literally EVERYONE tells me I look like Mo Salah, often asking for a picture, and it turned me into a mildly rabid Liverpool FC fan. I never realized there’d be an official supporters club in Philly and turns out there is AND it’s at Victoria Freehouse on Front St which is right around the corner from our Old City office. So if you see me running out the door of the office for a midday match in a jersey over my scrubs that’s where I’m heading. The fish and chips are amazing!

You can catch Steve on Mon, Tues and Thurs at our Old City location in Philadelphia.

Package Pricing Update Starting 2/20

Did you know if you’ve purchased an Acupuncture 4 pack or 8 pack in the last year you’ve actually been paying pre-pandemic pricing? When we changed our pricing last March we never brought our packages in line 🤷🏽‍♀️. So starting February 20th we’re doing exactly that. But if you hurry, you can still buy a 4 or 8 pack at our 2020 pricing either in our offices or online by clicking below!

Acupuncture Packages
4 Pack: $320 -> $340
8 Pack: $620 -> $640

Act fast before prices go up on Mon 2/20!

Most of us are craving some cooler temperatures and the outset of fall, but transition times are usually the worst for headache sufferers. First there’s the weather, with less humidity and an increase in barometric pressure. This can trigger headache symptoms all year long, but can be especially dramatic during the shift from summer to autumn 🤕. Fall also brings life changes like a return to school for teachers and students, finishing vacations and diving into work. This often leads to changes in sleeping patterns and caffeine intake, both of which are very common triggers for headaches. Then, of course, there are seasonal allergies 🤧.

Life’s always gonna change, so what can be done about it? Here are our 3 favorite things to help cope with the transition:

1. Know your triggers! - Keep a headache diary - when you feel one coming on, think of the circumstances of the day and the night leading up to it. Knowing really is half the battle.

2. Magnesium - this simple element, easily taken as a supplement at night, has been shown to help the body stay hydrated, reduce stress, help with sleep, and promote smooth bowel movements. It’s a weird combo but headache sufferers seem to improve when taking it during periods of greater headaches.

3. What about Acupuncture? There is ample evidence that Acupuncture can help reduce the quantity and severity of headaches and migraines. Maintaining your treatment regiment, whether it’s just doing your monthly check in or coming weekly through transition times, is a no-brainer for head pain sufferers. Most studies showed that consistency leads to relief.

Practitioner Spotlight: Julie Schwartz, L.OM.

What drew you to acupuncture?

I was first introduced to acupuncture while I was working at UCSF. I was working on clinical trials in the cancer center, some of which focused on acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to ameliorate the side effects of chemotherapy. Not only was I impressed with the outcomes of the trials, but I was also inspired by the acupuncturists with whom I worked. They seemed to possess qualities of being a true healer– they had this ability to make patients feel better by truly listening to them, and the placement of a few tiny pins could work wonders in rebalancing their bodies. It was clear to me that healing was happening, and I needed to understand how to do this. I started my graduate studies at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and it's now been almost 20 years working as an acupuncturist and herbalist.

Current hobby and why you love it?

I adore gardening and getting my hands dirty. I live in the city so I don’t have much of a yard, but I have a roof deck where I do container gardening. I am enjoying growing lots of herbs and fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and meyer lemons. This summer I am really enjoying my bright pink bougainvillea. My favorite time of day is sunset on the roof, where me and my pup Charlie water all the plants. Charlie is a 2 year old Havanese, and she’s my favorite gardening buddy. I also enjoy traveling with my family. We went to the US Virgin Islands this past spring, and did lots of snorkeling, and my kids will say the highlight was dining at a floating taco bar.

Patient interactions that touched you in some way?

I adore my work and am constantly impressed with its ability to help people. I have special training in treating patients with cancer, and find it very rewarding to help them get through their western treatments with as much ease as possible. There are some wonderful acupuncture points that work in boosting the immune system and keeping blood counts high enough to endure chemotherapy. I also really enjoy helping families with their fertility goals, and it's my favorite thing to run into the families with their kids around town years later.

You can catch Julie on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at our Old City location in Philadelphia.

Research Confirms Our IVF Transfer Approach

For the last 20 years, Steve and our Acupuncture team have been constantly adapting our Acupuncture approach to increase the chances of IVF lead to a live birth. Sometimes we just follow the research and sometimes we go our own way when we think we have a better idea. It’s vindicating to finally see two approaches that we pioneered years ago proven in research to be the right answer.

The first study shows that our single Acupuncture treatment approach to embryo transfer is spot on, just like our own data has shown. The study showed that live birth rates of IVF cycles are as good and often better than the old trend of doing two treatments both before and after. We made this change back in 2014 (and got a lot of pushback from some in the field), but we knew in time the data would prove us right and it sure did 👊.

The second study shows that electro-acupuncture does in fact positively change the endometrial lining (the part of the uterus where the embryo implants). Fertility specialists have been referring patients to us for years, and rightly so, to help increase the thickness and phase of the uterine lining when estrogen alone isn’t working. Sometimes this works after a single treatment, and sometimes it takes a few, but now the benefits are clear. We started doing this over 10 years ago when a study in Colorado used ultrasound to show that electro-acupuncture allows more blood to flow through the artery that goes to the uterus. The thought would be more blood flow equals a thicker lining, and sure enough that seems to be the case.

Cesarean deliveries, or c-sections, can be a necessary part of a birth plan, but the pain and recovery time always feel too long and hard when all you want to do is enjoy time with your newborn. The standard treatment of opioid analgesics for pain have left patients still experiencing high levels of postoperative pain and recovering slowly; so much so that a systematic review of studies found that none of the 13 included studies reported adequate pain relief. In other words, standard care is failing these patients.

A new study is showing how Acupuncture can help - especially in the form of take home Acupuncture. If that sounds familiar, Healing Arts pioneered doing this at the start of the pandemic as Virtual Acupuncture by using mini stick-on acupuncture needles. In the study in the journal Anesthesiology, patients were given semi-permanent acupuncture needles in select points for pain control and movement within an hour of their c-section. Results showed that acupuncture was safe and effective in reducing pain and accelerating mobilization of patients after giving birth.

How helpful was it? Of the patients in the control group, 83% were able to fully mobilize the day after the c-section. In the Acupuncture group, though, 98%, all but 1, were able to move by day 1. That is HUGE! Pain levels were significantly better and more patients were able to have their catheters removed on the first day.

The study author wrote: “With consideration for personnel and time expenditures, acupuncture can be recommended as routine, supplemental therapy for pain control in patients after elective cesarean delivery.”

Since publication Healing Arts has been reaching out to the local area hospitals to see if any would be interested in piloting this within their delivery wards. In the meantime, if you know you’re due for a c-section soon, let us know and we can put together a take home Acupuncture pack or help you put them in right before your procedure. Click the button below to reach out.

Study Link: Usichenko TI, Henkel BJ, Klausenitz C, et al. Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Pain Con

March may go out like a lamb but that wool sure makes a lot of noses sniffly and eyes itchy. Combine that with the clock transitioning and the loss of sleep and talk about an attack on the bodies defenses. Luckily, now is a great time to get ahead of the season. First, catch up on that sleep! Everyone’s losing an hour come Sunday morning. We know no one will just decide to go to be early on Saturday, but you absolutely should on Sunday. Adequate rest is the best way to allow your body the time it needs to sort out the changes in the season.

What about Acupuncture? There is some evidence that Acupuncture can help reduce allergy symptoms and it seems to be most effective when you start treatment before your allergies kick in and treat straight through the transition! There are also some Chinese herbal medicines, such as Jade Windscreen, which can bolster the immune system and help reduce the symptoms of upper respiratory allergies.

Practitioner Spotlight: Vashni Nilon, L.Ac.

What drew you to acupuncture?

I discovered acupuncture after chemotherapy and surgery. I was technically cancer free but was exhausted, weak, and in premature menopause. Acupuncture helped me get my health back. Fun fact - Steve was my first acupuncturist!

Current hobby and why you love it?

Circus!!! During the pandemic I was looking to add something fun to my fitness routine.

A patient story that touched you in some way?

Seeing patients struggle to conceive for years become successfully pregnant is the best feeling there is. There have been many over the years.

You can catch Vashni on Weds and Fri at our Main Line location in Bryn Mawr. You’ll also frequently see her donning a hair net and booties doing Acupuncture treatments before Embryo Transfer at Main Line Fertility.

New Website is Live!

Our new website is live! We’re super excited for everyone to check out the new site and the new color scheme we’ve got going on. Aside from a refresh, we also wanted the site to be both more intuitive AND more informative. One of our favorite sections is all about some of the things we treat regularly. Not only can you learn about all the things Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine can address, but we’ve included blurbs and links to the research studies that guide our treatments.

Go check it out at HealingPhilly.com

Anxiety manifests in so many ways in the body. For some, it’s an upset stomach. For some, it’s a racing mind that doesn’t stop especially at night. For others, it feels like a bull is sitting on your chest and no matter how you stretch you feel like you can’t take a full breath.

We’ve had a lot of patients coming in with that chest tightening feeling and have been grateful at how fast Acupuncture is letting people finally take that deep breath they’ve been craving. Even if you’re coming in for back pain or headaches, points that help the body deal with stress and anxiety are almost always a part of the treatment. You’ll often see these spots either in the ears, the chest or the top of the feet.

Our favorite is an acupuncture point called Shenmen in the ear which translates to Gate of the Spirit. Research conducted by the Air Force showed that stimulating this point may not only modulate the stress hormone cortisol (which goes up and down throughout intense periods of stress) but may prevent certain forms of PTSD. Given all the stressors of the pandemic and everything else we’re dealing with these days, points like this fit perfectly to help everyone stay a little saner.

It doesn’t hurt that every treatment has a built it acu nap! Feeling that stress and anxiety? We’ve got you. You can find more info and some research on Acupuncture for Stress & Anxiety Page.

Did you know BPA was originally manufactured as a synthetic estrogen for pharma? Nowadays its used in polycarbonate plastics and over 100 tons of BPA are produced annually for use in plastic water bottles, baby bottles, lining of canned food, thermal receipts from cash registers, and more!

Have you ever heard the words endocrine disruptor? That’s what BPA is; it interferes with the function of reproductive hormones like estrogen and testosterone. High levels of BPA in women have been associated with poor development of the brain and reproductive system in babies, lower IVF success rates, and greater miscarriages. 😱🙅‍♀️

How Can I Limit BPA Exposure?

1. Forget plastic water bottles and use stainless steel or glass.

2. Start storing food and leftovers glass or stainless steel. If that seems tough, we know, but whatever you do DON’T MICROWAVE your food in the plastic.
3. Pod coffee lover? If you’re lazy, buy aluminum pods. If you’re less lazy, switch to a French press or pour-over.

4. Paper receipts or tickets? Literally try not to touch them. This sounds crazy but it’s true! So much can be absorbed from your hands. Go digital kids!

5. Don’t trust “BPA free” as they may include other endocrine disruptors.

Take small steps and retake control of how your environment affects your health!

Unfortunately, period poverty does exist, but also highlights the fact that menstrual products are sometimes out of reach due to cost.

@statnews highlights that after some pharmacies had to close due to the unrest in Philly some young women are relying on highly marked up corner stores for products. The fact that they’re not free in America or included in our health care system is yet another failure we must address immediately. There shouldn’t be a tax on being a woman, period. Feminine products should not have to be prioritized or calculated into finances, these are essential items that every single woman should be granted.

There is so much we can do to help and places to donate, but we must recognize this is a core value that is undermined. The article also highlighted an amazing org in Philly trying to help @no_moresecrets469 and it’s amazing leader Lynette Medley. If you can help them out at all go make a donation of goods or 💰.

During the citywide Covid shutdown, for those patients who don’t wish to come to the office, we’re offering guided, self administered mini-acupuncture! Let’s explain the process.

1. Schedule an appointment for the virtual acupuncture online below (make sure to select Virtual Acupuncture) or simply emailing us. We’re still working out the kinks so if don’t see it just email us at staff@healingphilly.com or call 2156273782.

2. Come to any of our offices and pick up a packet of stick on mini needles customized for you. Shipping is also now available (takes 2 days to arrive)!

3. At the time of your appointment, you’ll join a video chat with Steve or Heather who will do a normal follow up discussion of what’s going on, then guide you to self administer the stickers. We recommend being close to a surface you can lay down on. The stickers are super easy to apply and are barely noticeable.

4. Once the stickers are on, just lay down for 25-30 minutes and take a good acu-nap!

5. After the time is up, simply remove the stickers. Some can be left on for a few days, but let us guide you for which ones you can leave.

IF YOU CAN’T FALL ASLEEP

First, if you don’t already know what good sleep habits are here are the basics: 

1. The bedroom is for sleep and sex. Unless you’re using your phone or devices to help in either endeavor, don’t bring them to bed with you. The best recommendation we can give is charge them in the kitchen so there’s no temptation right before falling asleep to roll over and check the news/IG/whatevs.
   
   
   

2. What you do right before sleep can lay the foundation for a good night. Great options are reading, drawing, or doing a guided meditation like this one from Drexel.
   
   
   

3. If you’ve been in bed for 30 minutes or more, you’d be well served by getting out of bed and doing something low key to get out excess energy. Then try to go back to sleep.

Now if none of that is working don’t fret, here are 3 treatments that could help get you there that we carry or provide at HAC:
 

Melatonin

A hormone your body naturally produces to help you wind down. Sometimes a little extra is all you need to finally drift off.  We carry a sustained release version of 3mg to last through the night.

Acupuncture

For those of you who’ve had it, remember that night’s sleep after your first treatment?  Even a single treatment can reset the clock for insomniacs and then using good sleep habits can keep you there.

Ziziphys

Sometimes falling asleep feels like pushing a boulder up a hill, but this is actually a Chinese Medicinal herb called Suan Zao Ren and has been shown to be effective at calming the bodies reaction to lead to a deeper sleep.

IF YOU CAN’T STAY ASLEEP

This ones a little trickier, but there are still plenty of things you can do to help.  Good sleep habits will help here too:

1. If you wake up in the middle of the night, don’t pick up your phone. Remember it should be charging safely in the kitchen!
   
   

2. If you feel like your mind won’t quiet, don’t be afraid to get out of bed for a short bit. Try a short guided meditation and then head back to bed.
   
   

3. Limit alcohol right before bed. Maybe forgo that night cap for a week to get back on track.

Now if none of that is doing the job, the supplement we’ve had the best luck with lately is CBD.  Don’t worry, there’s no ‘high’ from taking our CBD as it’s derived from Hemp and won’t have any THC in it at all. Depending on how you want to take it, we have both a Chocolate Minty Oil you can put under your tongue for a minute, or we even now have GUMMIES that are easy to chew in either Ginger or Lime flavor.

Over the last 17 years of sitting in rooms with couples and individuals who are dealing with infertility, I’ve seen the looks on patient’s faces when they think about the holidays, and the conversations that are bound to happen with well-meaning family, friends and strangers. As a culture, we still don’t have a comfortable dialogue around the subject of infertility or pregnancy loss. We don’t know how to support those going through it, and since there is still so much shame and embarrassment around the issue, many suffering don’t have the words to help others know what they need. 

Last year I started recording a podcast called Waiting For Babies, where I interview people about their journey through infertility. I have been amazed at what these men and women have endured and been willing to share, and the further insights they’ve given me even after all of my own experience being a guide for patients. With the holidays just around the corner, I wanted to try and draw on my experience to help both those experiencing infertility, and those friends and family members who may unintentionally be hurting those closest to them. Below are some suggestions for how to have more supportive conversations this year if infertility is present in your family. 

DO SAY THIS; FOR FAMILY MEMBER AND FRIENDS:

This one’s easy.  If someone’s struggling, start simple: “I’m so sorry.  That sounds really hard to go through.”  That’s it.  Stop.  If they sound like they wish to keep talking, keep engaging in a kind way.  If you know something about it first hand and want to share, please do.  If it happened to a friend twice removed that’s probably not helpful, keep it to yourself.  If they don’t keep talking about it, drop it.  That’s it.  Way to be a good friend!

DON’T SAY THIS; FOR FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS: 

So, do you guys want kids? 

Most of us don’t realize just how truly personal this question is. It can sometimes be a huge sore spot in a marriage if partners aren’t on the same page, there could be intimacy issues in the relationship that this question triggers, and of course, there is the possibility that they’ve been trying (and failing) for who knows how long. Do you really want to get into all of that over eggnog? Just let this one be - there are plenty of other topics of conversation. 

You should just try and relax. 

The vast majority of infertility cases have biological causes. Stress and psychological factors play little to no role in whether or not a man or woman is fertile. Besides that, what you are really saying is, “it’s your fault you can’t get pregnant because you’re too stressed out.” 

Everything happens for a reason.

This is the worst. While this sentiment is really meant to be comforting, it insinuates that there is some larger reason why they’re not meant to have a child. Now that’s pretty hurtful when you think of it that way, don’t you think? 

At least you are getting in lots of quality time together as a couple before having kids. 

I hear this one a lot - “at least _______ .” It’s not your job to try and reframe someone else’s pain over the inability to create a family. In reality, going through infertility may be one of the worst times in a couple’s lives and their relationship. It’s the lack of understanding and acknowledgement from others that can make infertility feel so lonely. If we as a culture could be more comfortable with grief and loss, perhaps we could be more equipped to hear people’s pain and react with true empathy - not minimizing it and brushing it aside. 

We’re so exhausted by our kids. 

Any version of complaining about your children. It’s true, the challenges of being a parent are real. So often we use them as a way of connecting and bonding with others. However, in this case it’s a terrible trigger for those dealing with infertility. Try to notice if you use these complaints as a point of connecting or as a way to subtly say, “you’re lucky you don’t have to deal with this.” - then try thinking of another way to communicate. 

RESPONSES WHEN YOU GET THE ABOVE UNCOMFORTABLE QUESTIONS; FOR THOSE STRUGGLING TO CONCEIVE: 

We’ve actually been trying and are having quite a hard time. Right now we’re just focused on trying to relax and enjoy the holidays. 

I definitely try to relax, but this is really important to us. The good news is that stress isn’t strongly linked to infertility - it’s really just about biology. 

Well, maybe. It’s a problem that affects 1 out of every 8 couples trying to have a baby - it’s amazing how often this happens to people for no real reason at all!

Honestly, it’s pretty hard to think of it that way considering how badly we would like to have a family together. It’s actually really painful - I think most people who aren’t going through it have a hard time knowing there aren’t really any up-sides to infertility. 

I’m sure kids can really take a toll! But for those of us who are struggling to have a family of our own, it sure seems worth it. 

While it is certainly not your job to make others feel more comfortable with what you’re going through, it can be helpful to acknowledge that most people don’t understand that what they’re saying is hurtful. Someone has probably never responded to them in a way that helps them learn. These diplomatic responses may take a Herculean effort, but they could help lead the way towards more empathy and understanding. Too hard and you’d rather lay into them? Completely understandable. 

If someone you know is experiencing infertility, I’d recommend you listen to an episode or two of Waiting For Babies - you’ll be able to hear directly from people who have been through it so you can work on your empathy. If you’re steeling yourself for an emotional holiday season because of infertility, consider doing something for yourself. We are offering a 1-hour massage for $65 (normally $85). Gift it to yourself HERE. Let your massage therapist know what you’re going through (if you’re comfortable) - at the Healing Arts Center we want to be a refuge for people who need empathy, healing and support. 

Happy Holidays. 

Steve

There is an amazing connection between our bodies and the changing seasons, and your health requires different things during each one. Winter is can be a magical time but also filled with health hazards; cold and flu season, forced heat blasting into your bedrooms, overindulging in rich foods or alcohol, lack of consistency in your health routines, family stress at the holidays, little time for self-care, frigid temperatures causing achy joints, dry skin, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – you get the idea.

While there are plenty of traditional options to treat these ailments (cough…go get a flu shot…cough), we like to take a whole-body preventative approach. Things like exercise, healthy eating, acupuncture, tai chi, chiropractic and massage can help round out how you take care of yourself (or others!) this season. Below are a few tips from our Co-Founder, Steve Mavros, L.OM. for staying healthy during this season of less than ideal health habits.

1. The things your body is missing most right now: sun and moisture. Chase the sun on days it’s out. You can fight SAD with just 10 minutes of sunlight hitting your eyes each day (don’t stare directly at the sun though…). Between the cold outside and the dry heat inside, the increased dryness makes it harder for your nose to filter out viruses. I recommend an evaporative humidifier that can get your bedroom up to at least 40% humidity with periodic uses of saline nasal sprays as a great preventative.

2. Everything in moderation, INCLUDING moderation. It’s okay to go a little overboard here and there. Don’t stress yourself out over that huge Thanksgiving dinner (plus leftovers for days of course) or worry about the overindulging you did at the office holiday party. As long as most days you’re good to yourself, your body will roll with it and you’ll continue feeling good.     

3. Sleep. Nothing makes your immune system work like a rock star more than 8 hours of sleep. It sounds simple, I know…

4. Have you heard the saying, “it’s not stress that kills us, but our bodies reaction to it”? It couldn’t be truer. While we can’t make the cause of your stress go away, acupuncture is great for getting your body to respond more effectively. We often use acupoints on the body that can address multiple things, as we think things like pain can come as much from injury as from stress, posture, and internal functions of the body. For example, the spot we use for nausea, also helps open up the chest for asthma and allergies, as well as helping the intense anxieties that cause that lump in your throat.  

5. Certain products can be really effective for short-term treatment. We love supplements like Cold Snap for viruses, Melatonin or CBD for sleep and herbs for menstrual or digestive irregularities.  

What are you doing to take care of yourself this season? Instead of going out to eat and drink with your friends, co-workers or family, book one of our Acupuncture with Friends parties (10% off for the month of December!) Instead of drinking that weird Emergen-C supplement, book an appointment for acupuncture. Need to de-stress? Purchase one of our Tai Chi packages (just $25 for two weeks unlimited!). And of course, since it’s the season for giving – pick up a gift card for someone who needs a little help taking care of themselves!

Intuition is a natural gift we all have inside of us. It is the ability to understand immediately, without reasoning. The instinctive voice that guides you to be true to yourself and offers clarity when you are seeking answers. In particular, it can be a powerful tool in helping us better understand our health and what our body truly needs to achieve optimal wellbeing.

We all have the capacity to tap into this gift. The problem is that, for many of us, we don’t know how to pay attention. The distractions of the outside world, others’ opinions and suggestions, the hustle and bustle of our busy lives – it all disconnects us from the true needs and desires of our mind, body, and spirit. But, with a little dedication and time, it is perfectly possible to quiet these outside noises and tune into your inner voice. Once you do, you’ll be amazed at how much your intuition can help guide you to optimal health and happiness! Here are four impactful ways you can tap into your intuition and improve your wellbeing:

 1.    Meditation & Mindfulness

Set aside time each day to clear your mind with meditation. Start off with a duration and time of day that is attainable for you (even if that means 5 minutes before bed at night or while parked in the car during your lunch break!). Make it work for you and don’t be afraid of doing it wrong. The key is to just try!

 One of the profound mental and physical benefits of meditation is increased capacity for tapping into your intuition. Over time, you’ll become more mindful and aware of your true needs and desires, even during the most hectic and stressful moments. Bring mindfulness into your day. How do you feel in this moment? What do you truly want at this time? Notice and observe what comes up. Self-awareness is a key to following your intuition.

2.    Conscious Breathing

Have your ever practiced yoga? Or maybe just taken a big, deep breath in the middle of a stressful day? Then you know the power of your breath to calm the nervous system. Practicing conscious breathing during your day helps quiet the mind so that your intuition can come through. Try this simple exercise when you are feeling stressed, confused, or disconnected: 

·      Sit comfortably with a straight spine

·      Relax your shoulders and rest your hands on your lap

·      Exhale completely, drawing your diaphragm in and up

·      Slowly inhale through your nose by contracting your diaphragm out and down; as air fills your lungs, notice your belly rise, followed by your mid- and upper-chest

·      Pause

·      Slowly exhale through your nose while drawing your diaphragm in and up

·      Repeat this three times, taking deeper and fuller breaths each round

3.    Intuitive Movement

While finding stillness is important for the mind, movement is vital for the body. When it comes to fitness, being connected to your intuition can help you feel your best, achieve optimal results, and avoid injury.

It is so rewarding to witness my Motion Melissa clients benefit from the practice of intuitive movement – learning to tune into your body’s unique needs and understand what it truly craves through conscious movement and breathwork. When you quiet the outside noise of comparison to others’ looks, trendy workouts, and diet crazes, and instead listen to your intuition, your body is able to naturally nourish and heal itself through movement.

During exercise, practice mindfulness. Breath with each movement. Notice how your body and mind feels with each movement and workout. What truly feels good in your body? If you are unsure where to start, seek out an expert who can help.

 4.    Intuitive Self-Care

I use intuitive movement to address fitness, but I am also a huge proponent of listening to your body and seeking out other experts (for myself & my clients!) when it comes to achieving total body wellness.

Personally, my battle with chronic migraine has taught me the importance of intuitive self-care. Meditation, breathwork, and yoga, helped me recognize that my body was craving more than traditional migraine treatment. I began to notice tension in my neck, shoulders, and jaw that went along with my migraines and turned to complimentary modalities like massage and acupuncture, which have been super helpful for me.

Recently, I was lucky enough to spend an afternoon of self-care with the experts of the Healing Arts Center – a holistic wellness center in Old City, Philadelphia. HAC offers massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, tai chi, and more. During my visit, I tried out a chiropractic session with Barry Silverman and an acupuncture session with Steven Mavros.

Admittedly, I was a little bit nervous about my first ever chiropractic visit, but Barry made me feel super comfortable. He explained how chiropractic works and let me know what to expect at each step of the process. After a thorough assessment and treatment, I walked out of Barry’s room feeling more aligned and less stiff in my neck and shoulders. I was worried it would be painful, but it wasn’t at all!

Before my acupuncture session, Steve and I chatted extensively about my health concerns. I’ve had acupuncture before, but Steve really made me feel listened to and understood. When it came time for the treatment, I had complete confidence and was at ease for the full duration of the session. And, if you're wondering, no, acupuncture is not painful either!

Right after my treatments, I felt very relaxed. A few days later, I felt less tension overall in my head, neck, and shoulders. I will definitely be back.

 Injuries, ailments, and illness can keep us from living our fullest lives and enjoying movement and exercise. While there are always ways to modify and adjust, it is important to tune into our intuition and know when to seek out help and healing. Sometimes the best self-care practice is learning to listen to your intuition and seeking out help for your mind, body, and spirit when you need it!

If your intuition is telling you that you are in need of some self-care, I encourage you to check out the Healing Arts Center. Mention Motion Melissa when booking your first acupuncture appointment and receive $20 off!

Melissa Weinberg, CPT, RYT, CHC 

motionmelissa.com

@motionmelissa

Melissa Weinberg is a certified personal trainer, health coach, yoga teacher, and group fitness instructor. Motion Melissa was born out of the idea that everybody can benefit so much from movement, but that every body moves differently. No one size fits all program exists that works wonders for everyone. There are specific wellness practices that can help each individual achieve their optimal health. Melissa uses intuitive movement to help you #FindYourMotion! She is passionate about working with women, athletes & former athletes, and those faced with injuries and setbacks.

Having symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome can make life feel anything but normal. Having no idea if or when your period is on its way, abnormal hair growth, acne, fatigue and difficulty maintaining a healthy weight can all cause extreme distress. If you do start trying to conceive, those first few months can feel like you’re chasing a moving target, and that’s assuming you’re actually ovulating (which not everyone with PCOS does). It all adds up to a decreased quality of life that many women have a hard time finding answers and solutions for. 

An Integrative Approach

At the Healing Arts Center, we frequently treat women suffering from PCOS. We believe in a team approach, with the primary member being YOU. We listen to you, we don't assume things and we don't dismiss your opinions - you know your body. PCOS isn’t just about your period or ovulating, it’s about how your whole body is functioning. Our primary focus is using natural methods towards health such as lifestyle changes, Acupuncture, nutritional supplements and herbal medicines.

Sometimes, the more stubborn conditions may require medications to help balance your thyroid and insulin or to give the ovaries an extra nudge towards ovulation. We work with your physician partners, whether they’re reproductive endocrinologists or gynecologists, to help coordinate your care. Understanding the comprehensive pictures of your care helps us modify our treatments to help increase their success, whether it’s geared towards infertility or just to have a semblance of normalcy. To find the root cause and best treatments we go over:

Our Key Treatments

Our focus is to help your whole body - from the skin level to the inner workings. So whether your goal is to conceive, stop unwanted hair growth, manage your weight or just plain feel better, we want to help you feel like yourself again. Please call our office to learn more about our whole body approach if you're dealing with symptoms of PCOS.

Take a whole body approach to PCOS.

If you are ready to start feeling like yourself again, contact us for an initial consultation to see how we can best help.

June is Men’s Health Month, which got me thinking about ways to help men with their health. Given that my area of expertise is in fertility, I decided the best way is to talk about Sperm.

I could go with the standard list of things to avoid that not only help your sperm count but your health in general like don’t smoke or be wary of plastics.  We all know smoking is terrible, but not only will it shorten your life span, but your fertility goes down and man do you smell gross.  As for plastics, did you know that heating food in a plastic container or drinking from BPA containing water bottles can disrupt endocrine signaling in the body and not only lower sperm counts but also lead to higher rates of cancer? 

Alternatively, I could tell you to get more sleep. Yeah, you heard me, sleeping! Four out of 10 of you are getting less than seven hours of sleep a night. Just by sleeping a full seven to eight hours you’ll not only live longer, but yes, your fertility rates and sperm count can go up. Or I could tell you what I’m sure everyone says, which is engage in mild to moderate exercise. It’s true that not only will you live longer, but you can also increase your sperm count. By the way, you can get all the benefits of a solid exercise routine by doing something as simple as this seven minute workout from the New York Times and UCLA exercise scientists 3 times a week.

Instead of all this generic advice, I have a different idea; CHECK YOUR SPERM! Did you know that there’s a correlation between the quantity and quality of men’s sperm and mortality? Studies have shown that men with lower sperm counts, motility or semen volume (as often found in male factor infertility) had higher mortality rates compared to men with normal semen quality (yes, by mortality I mean they die sooner.) Those with multiple issues had a mortality rate more than twice as high. So, what does this mean? It means semen quality still has absolutely nothing to do with how “manly” you are, but it could be a marker of healthy you are, and it’s a simple marker that men shouldn’t be ignoring.  

I can’t tell you the number of times a woman has come for acupuncture for help trying to conceive, having already been through a battery of tests herself, and her husband or partner is too afraid or procrastinating in getting a semen analysis done. Men can be the cause of infertility 30-50% of the time. I could spend months doing treatments on the woman while the guy procrastinates, and 30-50% of the time I should have spent those months treating him. We all know that age is a factor in conception, and wasting months is not something anyone wants to do.

If I’ve spent most of this post scaring you – I’m coming to the good news. You don’t have to run off and schedule an appointment with a urologist to check your sperm. All you need is a smartphone and one of these nifty kits we now have in stock at the Healing Arts Center called YO! Sperm Test. It’s insanely easy, you can do it at home and it comes with two tests so you get a real sense of what your situation is. It will not only give you a window into your fertility, but into your overall health. Being a real man means having wisdom; you can’t have wisdom without knowing as much as you can about the world, and more importantly about yourself. 

- Steven Mavros, L.OM.

*You can purchase one in our office or order one online through our recommended supplements and products page on our website.

Steve Mavros, L.OM., is co-founder of The Healing Arts Center of Philadelphia. He has been an acupuncturist and herbalist since 2001. Though he treats a wide variety of conditions, he has been focusing on male and female infertility since his first month in practice. Working hand-in-hand with reproductive endocrinologists and even treating on-site at fertility clinics, Steve has helped pioneer the acupuncture for fertility field in Philadelphia. 

The views and nutritional/herbal advice expressed by Steve Mavros, L.OM. is not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. No information offered here should be interpreted as a diagnosis of any disease, nor an attempt to treat or prevent or cure any disease or condition. Information and statements regarding products and/or services made available by Steve Mavros, L.OM. and the Healing Arts Center have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  

It was around this time last year that I really started thinking about my role in infertility awareness. As an acupuncturist who specializes in infertility, (my team and I assisted in 187 IVF embryo transfers at almost every clinic in the Delaware Valley in 2017 alone!) I realized I had a unique opportunity to tell stories and shine a light on the struggles I see my patients endure, and so I started a podcast called Waiting For Babies. Once I put it out in the world, I discovered so many others attempting to lift the stigma around this often-silent struggle.

Over the last year, it appears the world is waking up to the one in eight who try to conceive a child but find they cannot. The media is alive with stories. Gabrielle Union discussed how she’s almost lost count of the eight or nine miscarriages she’s had. Documentaries like One More Shot and Vegas Baby offer unprecedented views into couple’s lives as they struggle with infertility. The show Friends From College had an entire episode showing the ardor of IVF injections and just how crazy they can make a woman feel. Even The Upright Citizens Brigade has tackled the issue with a dose of improv comedy.

The last week in April marks National Infertility Awareness Week, and this year’s theme is #FlipTheScript. It couldn’t come at a better time – never before have women’s voices been so amplified to bring about change in how they’re treated and perceived. It’s not just women either – men’s experience with infertility is coming to the forefront as well. Just recently, my podcast interview with a young man dealing with infertility was covered by Main Line Today, further depleting the stigma that it’s something that just happens to women. The women and men who know the pain of this experience have attempted to flip the script for a long time, and it seems as though the world may finally be ready to really look at, deal with, and support those have to endure the agony of waiting for their babies.  

But how DO we #FlipTheScript? There are two things I believe need immediate change: first, both the public and providers need to listen to women more. There’s increasing evidence that women’s complaints of physical and mental symptoms, especially as related to their menstrual cycle, are often ignored. In the fertility world, this can be a huge detriment to their future fertility, leading to missed diagnoses of problems like endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, fibroids and more. Even Serena Williams had to fight for her providers to listen to her symptoms after she delivered her daughter. If she hadn’t been so insistent, they would have missed possibly deadly blood clots in her lungs because her providers thought she was just “confused” after birth.  

Second, we need to empower those who are struggling to understand where they’re able to have control. You can’t control when your body ovulates, when or if you’ll get your period, whether you were born with sperm, whether your ovaries are producing “good” eggs or how many eggs you have left (the list goes on). You can control your team – from your fertility specialist to which friends or family members are this journey with you. Don’t like your doctor? Get a second opinion. Think you’re alone in this? One out of every eight people who’ve tried to conceive have had trouble. One in four who’ve been pregnant have miscarried. You can find a mentor who’s gone through exactly what you have or join a support group. You can find a therapist or an acupuncturist to help your body and mind process all the things you have to decide on your journey. You can control what you put in your body, whether it’s medicine, supplements, food, caffeine or alcohol.  

One factor that is certainly out of control is the cost of fertility treatments. My home state of Pennsylvania doesn’t have a mandate that insurers or employers cover fertility treatments, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. Many medical decisions are made locally, and it’s a lot easier to enact change at that level. If you don’t have coverage in your state, pick up the phone and call your state representatives or governor. Tweet at them. Fax them. An election is coming this year. If the person you’re talking to isn’t listening, help elect someone who will. 

Let this year be the one where we actually #FlipTheScript and change the way we look at and treat those who struggle with infertility.