We had such a wonderful learning experience last week with Isaac Axtell, and oh so relaxed in our new location at the REM Lounge!
Isaac explained to us his training to become an acupuncturist. He graduated from Bastyr University in 2012 then continued his studies in China! Upon completion he moved to Hawaii where he worked with the Hawaii College of Oriental Medicine. Isaac came back to Maine this past winter. His mission? “To provide healthcare to patients that is equally grounded in both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and modern medical practices encompassing Chinese herbalism, Chinese therapeutic massage, acupuncture, and western medical assessment of a variety of disease conditions. Sincere service is delivered to patients in an honest and effective manner in order to educate patients and help them achieve their health goals as efficiently as possible.” Isaac’s focus at the Doula Tea was of course, surrounding pregnancy and birth. And continually amazing, lots of what we learn surrounding health in pregnancy can help us in everyday life as well! With acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, you are looking for balance. The yin and the yong. The yin could be described as winter and the yong, summer. Moxibustion is a heat therapy used to balance your yong deficiencies. Living through a winter in Maine can definitely throw off our internal balance. Using the moxa, made of dried mugwort, over your meridians creates a warmth which stimulates better circulation and blood flow. This can be a powerful tool for a mother with morning sickness, or who finds baby in breech presentation. Moxa can also be helpful to induce labor. Studies have even been done on moxa for the treatment of pain, constipation, hypertension and more. Pressure points are another tool that is not only useful, but extremely fascinating! There is a point in your hand, large intestine 4, for example, that when pressure is applied can help to induce labor. Families can find this point useful as well as it can help with bed wetting situations. LI 4 is good for headaches, jaw discomfort and constipation as well. For constipation you can also rub along the radial side of the forearm. (This area will naturally be tender if there is constipation.) Gall Bladder 21 is between your neck and shoulders. Placing downward pressure on this can help encourage yin and can help to induce labor. Pressing on this point can also help with irritability, stress and headaches. Placing pressure on these particular points can be done with the hands or the arms. Pressure points can be found on the top of your wrist between your radius and ulna, and one between your pinky toe and the one beside it. Pressure placed upon either of these points can help baby to loosen and “drop” in utero. These pressure points can also be helpful with insomnia. There was just so much incredible information to take in and Isaac is so passionate about his work! He loves working with expectant and new moms, as well as children and everyone else on the spectrum! Isaac specializes in the treatment of a variety of health conditions including but not limited to: Sports injuries Pain management Chronic degenerative disease (arthritis) Psycho-emotional disorders (stress, anxiety, depression) Insomnia Allergies (seasonal, food) Gastrointestinal Disorders (Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, constipation) For more information on Isaac and Axtell Acupuncture visit his website at: www.AxtellAcupuncture.com Things to remember - Ask a professional! - such as Isaac Axtell of course! You can find tons of information on the internet, yes, and from well intentioned friends. It is always best to be safe and contact the right person. We hope to see you at the next Doula Tea!
0 Comments
|
AuthorLaura started the well traveled road to health when her friends were concerned about her addiction to Ramen noodles. Archives
October 2015
Categories |