7001 Orchard Lake Road - Suite 132 West Bloomfield, MI 48322 | Phone: (248) 737-7126

Acupuncture Treats: Insomnia

January 18th, 2012 by Julie Shindler-Cohen

The value of sleep is severely underestimated in today’s culture.  Many people come to accept the fact that getting less than 8 hours of sleep per night is adequate for proper functioning.  Long term sleep deprivation, however, may be the beginning of a long and slow decline in health.  Sleep allows the body to restore and heal itself.  When people are not getting enough time to “recharge their batteries”, this is when bodily functions may start going haywire.  For many people, finding time to sleep is not the problem, but rather the ability to fall and stay asleep is what is keeping people awake.  Read the rest of this entry »

Micronutrients and Infertility – the importance of a quality multivitamin

January 16th, 2012 by Monica Mae Leibson

FERTILITY, INFERTILITY, PREGNANCY, OVULATIONMicronutrients, Vitamins, Minerals
Reference: “Prospective randomized trial of multiple micronutrients in subfertile women undergoing ovulation induction: a pilot study,” Agrawal R, Burt E, et al, Reprod Biomed Online, 2011 Oct 14; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: University College London and The Royal Free Hospital Medical School United Kingdom).
Summary: In a prospective, randomized, controlled trial involving 56 subfertile women who were undergoing ovulation induction using standard treatment regimens (including clomephene citrate/gonadotrophins), adjuvant treatment with multiple micronutrient supplementation was found to be associated with significantly higher cumulative clinical pregnancy rate (66.7%) compared with those on folic acid (39.3%) alone. Women who received multiple micronutrients were found to require fewer attempts to achieve pregnancy, as compared to women on folic acid alone. The authors conclude, “The implications of the study are potentially far reaching as they suggest MMN supplementation in women undergoing ovulation induction improve pregnancy rates. Larger studies are now required to confirm these preliminary findings.”

Providence Alternative Birthing Center – Meet the Doulas and Midwives on January 11th, 2011

January 8th, 2012 by Monica Mae Leibson

Mary Gadbaw-Davis, Midwife at the ABC

Mary Gadbaw-Davis, Midwife at the ABC

On Wednesday January 11th, 2011

Meet the Doulas from 6 to 7 pm. Come meet many of the doulas serving the Metro Detroit area as well as our own Monica Mae Leibson, Dipl. Ac.

Meet the Midwives from 7 to 8 pm.  Come and learn more about the midwives at the ABC. The focus of the gathering is to talk about their practice and answer questions about the care they provide both in the office and in the hospital. Feel free to bring family members or others interested in learning more about our midwives. A Tour of the ABC and Labor & Delivery is offered afterward. Held in the Fisher Center Auditorium located inside Providence Hospital in Southfield.

Acupuncture during Childbirth

Philosophy

The birth of a child is an opportunity for a unique & transformative experience.

Ways a Birth Doula can assist families

  • Support in preparing a birth plan & be an advocate during birth
  • Providing emotional support and reassurance
  • Supporting partner by role modeling and encouragement
  • Explaining medical procedures
  • Pain relief techniques such as massage, positioning, breathing, relaxation
  • Acupuncture during birth (see benefits below)

Benefits of a Continuous Doula (compiled by Penny Simkin)

A 2003 study describing the experiences of nearly 13,000 women has found that women who receive supportive care from a companion (non-hospital and non-partner) throughout labor are more likely than women without such care to avoid cesarean birth & other major medical interventions, and to be satisfied with their birth experience. These women were:

  • 28% less likely to use any analgesia or anesthesia
  • 41% less likely to give birth with vacuum extraction or forceps
  • 26% less likely to give birth by cesarean
  • 33% less likely to be dissatisfied with or negatively rate their birth experience

Acupuncture can help during labor in the following ways:

  • Induce labor naturally and ease progression of labor
  • Relax and open the pelvis
  • Ripens/dilates the cervix
  • Releases endorphins, encourages relaxation, manage labor pain
  • Promotes effective uterine contractions if labor is not progressing optimally
  • Turns breech/posterior babies
  • Relieves a cervical lip
  • Sustain a mothers energy
  • Lowers high blood pressure
  • Reduce the need for medical interventions
  • Reduces postpartum hemorrhage

Acupuncture during pregnancy

Research has shown that acupuncture is effective at reducing pelvic pain during pregnancy, reducing morning sickness, and effectively turning a breech baby.  The “pre-birth protocol” (once weekly starting at week 36) has been shown to decrease medical intervention.  In women who received pre-birth acupuncture there was:

  • An overall 35% reduction in the number of inductions (for women having their 1st baby there was a 43% reduction)
  • A 31% reduction in the epidural rate
  • 32% reduction in cesarean delivery
  • 9% increase in vaginal births

 

The Alternative Birthing Center

The philosophy of the Alternative Birth Care Unit (ABC) is to provide a natural birth experience – one that does not routinely require medical intervention – and one that respects your privacy while encouraging family involvement.

Our comfortable, home-like atmosphere offers privacy and intimacy in a medically supported environment. Our professional staff is committed to the philosophy that birth is a healthy, normal event that does not require medical intervention except in specific, problem circumstances.

At the ABC Unit you will enjoy:

  • Over thirty years experience in providing a homelike natural childbirth experience
  • Doulas welcome and unlimited family visitation
  • Freedom to eat and drink in labor
  • Natural care practices; aroma therapy, massage oil, herbal baths and locally produced baby wash
  • Respect for your cultural and religious preferences
  • Low intervention and c-section rates

Every Birthing Center room is equipped with:

  • Queen size bed
  • Hydrotherapy tub
  • Walk-in Shower
  • Birthing chair
  • Comfortable recliner chair
  • Refrigerator and many more amenities

As part of our continuing service of care, a member of the Providence ABC Unit team will follow up with you by phone after you return home.


 

 

Pediatric Care and Chinese Medicine

December 5th, 2011 by Monica Mae Leibson

Pediatric Acupuncture

* Looking for a holistic approach to your child’s healthcare?

* Interested in complementary methods to maintain your children’s good health?

* Are you curious about healthier lifestyle choices for your whole family?

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine offer a holistic perspective to maintaining good health by balancing energies within the body.  For parents and children, it offers a guide to lifestyle choices that are unique to each child that will encourage good health now and in the future.  Pediatric treatment includes a close examination of each child’s unique constitution and treatment plan that includes family involvement.

 

This article, published in Psychology Today, sheds light on why acupuncture & chinese medicine is such a great fit for children!

Kids and Acupuncture: An unlikely pairing that yields surprising results. Published on July 19, 2011 by Carolyn C. Ross, M.D., M.P.H. in Real Healing

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy that treats a wide range of conditions through the stimulation of specific points on the body with thin metal needles inserted through the skin. It is widely practiced in the United States through private acupuncture practitioners as well as in more than one third of pain treatment centers across the country. In fact, one study showed that acupuncture is effective in treating adult postoperative nausea as well as nausea related to chemotherapy. Other research shows its effectiveness for ailments such as menstrual cramps, low back pain, fibromyalgia, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

The efficacy of acupuncture is proven in adults but, until now, there has been very little research to support the efficacy of acupuncture in children. However, the use of acupuncture to treat medical issues from colic to ADHD in children is gaining popularity. A recent study showed that the use of acupuncture as a treatment for lazy eye is as effective as the traditional eye patch treatment. Another study found that acupuncture can help alleviate nausea and pain associated with chronic illness in children. Conventional medication can be complemented with acupuncture to reduce the common side effects that come with higher doses of medicine in some cases as well.

While kids and needles do not usually peacefully coexist, acupuncture in children may not be as frightening for them as it sounds. Skilled pediatric acupuncture practitioners use a variety of techniques to help children become comfortable with the idea of the needles. Practitioners spend a lot of time explaining the treatment to children and their families. A practitioner may demonstrate the therapy on a stuffed animal or even his own hand to show children what to expect during the acupuncture session. He will describe the difference between the acupuncture needle and a typical injection or intravenous needle. Acupuncture needles are smaller and not hollow so they do not rip the skin like typical needles. It is relatively painless if done by a trained practitioner who is specifically licensed to practice pediatric acupuncture. Children are usually surprised at how little discomfort they actually feel.

A visit with your child’s primary care provider can help you determine if pediatric acupuncture is right for your child. They can also direct you to licensed acupuncturists who specialize in pediatric care.

Sources

http://www.childrenshospital.org/views/feb03/acupuncture.html

http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam/chinesemed.htm

http://nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/introduction.htm

http://consensus.nih.gov/1997/1997acupuncture107html.htm

 

Acupuncture Healthcare Associates and Pediatric Care

Our acupuncturists use a variety of tools to support balance in children:

  • Acupressure
  • Tuina (Chinese massage)
  • Moxibustion (a cone of dried herb that warms up the skin to stimulate the immune system, support digestive health, and balance energy).
  • Chinese herbs
  • Dietary modifications
  • Supplements
  • Acupuncture (depending upon age and comfort level of child).  Children often sit on their parent’s laps while receiving treatment and generally enjoy their sessions!

Chinese medicine can help treat a variety of conditions including:

  • Allergies (food and seasonal)
  • Asthma
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Acid Reflux
  • Bedwetting
  • Colds/Flu
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Frequent Ear Infections
  • Headaches
  • Insomnia
  • Low Appetite
  • Low Immunity/Frequent Colds
  • Migraines
  • Sleep Disruptions

Call today to learn more!

 

Chinese Medicine for Immune Support

December 1st, 2011 by Julie Shindler-Cohen

The use of acupuncture and Chinese medicine is an important key to support the body’s innate immune system.  No matter what time of year, it is important to maintain a healthy immune system which provides protection against frequent infections, common cold and more serious illnesses.  Traditional Chinese medicine recognizes different organ functions to be responsible for specific functions in the body.  The concept of immunity involves 2 major organs: spleen and lung.  The energy, or qi, of the lung is responsible for defense against external pathogens.  However, the ability of the lung qi to protect the body relies heavily upon the production of qi from the spleen.  Read the rest of this entry »

Healthy Digestion: Tips to Stay Well

November 9th, 2011 by Julie Shindler-Cohen

In modern culture, the value of healthy digestion is severely underestimated.  Digestive imbalances such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating and gas and often overlooked and considered to be collateral damage from “normal” eating habits.  The truth, however, is that healthy digestion is one of the foundational principals to staying well.  Many people attempt to make healthy lifestyle changes but can become confused of where to start:  Diet?  Exercise? Meditation? Supplements?   It can become overwhelming but a good gauge of how well we are achieving health is through our digestion and bowel movements.  (Kind of gross, but true) Read the rest of this entry »

A very inspiring Infertility Blog

November 7th, 2011 by Monica Mae Leibson

Experiencing infertility can be so difficult to emotionally deal with.  I am always speaking with patients regarding how they are doing emotionally and what they can do to bring themselves to a brighter place.  One patient of mine (as well as many others) has always inspired me in terms of how she deals with her infertility struggles.  She is authentic when things are hard but she does not let herself stay in that place.  Rather she focuses on gratitude and enjoying her life just the way it is as she moves forward in her fertility journey.  When she told me that her and her husband had started a blog, I knew I would want to share it with all of my clients.  I am sure you will enjoy their honesty and humor as much as I do.

www.stillcountingstars.wordpress.com

Ayurveda and Chinese medical Seminar for Women’s Health

November 2nd, 2011 by Julie Shindler-Cohen

Come join Julie Shindler-Cohen at Karma Yoga to learn about Women’s health and Chinese medicine.  Julie will discuss general Chinese medical theory and will explore women’s health and prevention in more detail.  Attendees will gain a greater understanding of how Chinese medicine treats the body’s natural energetic balance as a means of preventing and treating an array of symptoms that arise throughout a woman’s lifecycle.

DATE: Tuesday November 22

TIME: 2-3:15PM

PLACE: Karma Yoga 3683 W. Maple Road (At Lahser Road)

COST: $20 at the door/$75 for the series

Julie will be offering one course in a series entitled “Soma & Agni”, which offers information about women’s self care and lunar cycles from an Ayurvedic perspective.  The course will be each Tuesday in the month of November from 2-3:15 at Karma Yoga.  Please look at the Karma’s website for more details about the seminar!

http://www.karma-yoga.net/soma-agni

Create Your Village – Tuesday November 1st 2011

October 28th, 2011 by Monica Mae Leibson

 

Join us on Tuesday November 1st

6-8:30 PM

Providence Hospital

16001 W. Nine Mile Road at Greenfield

Please join us for a free and informative birthing fair! Designed for new parents and expecting couples. Many great people will be present to meet and speak with.

A great opportunity to meet with our resident pregnancy specialist, Monica Mae Leibson (acupuncturist, birth doula, post partum doula).

A great opportunity to connect with midwives, chiropractors, acupuncturists, pregnancy massage therapists, birth & postpartum doulas, childbirth educators, prenatal yoga instructors, prenatal aqua-aerobics instructors, breastfeeding specialists, hypnotherapists, & photographers.

Speak with specialists about cloth diapers, diaper service, baby wrapping, child safety service, car seats, thermography, herbal baths, homeopathy, photographers. Meet a local author of her recent book “Natural Hospital Birth.”

There is free parking behind the Medical Office Building. From 9 Mile take Providence Dr. south to next light. Turn left. Go into parking lot. Enter MOB’s front doors. Walk through MOB, up a ramp, to the Fisher Center Info Desk. Auditorium is on your left. Feel free to tell your pregnant clients and friends about the event. The resources are from varying areas: Novi, Farmington, Royal Oak, Ann Arbor, West Bloomfield, Warren, Ferndale, Detroit, Northville, Southfield, Beverly Hills, and more.

Please visit Acupuncture in Michigan or http://www.stjohnprovidence.org/Women/Pregnancy

An Introduction to Qi Gong

October 17th, 2011 by Monica Mae Leibson

This weekend I was lucky enough to be introduced to Shen Zhen Healing Qi Gong (Unconditional Love Healing Qi Gong).  I was blown away by how transformative the practice is for physical and mental health.  I am excited to write more about it and how it has shifted me.  For now, I will start with an introduction to Qi Gong, written by Master Li Jun Feng.

THE MISSION OF QIGONG ©

by Li Jun Feng
1. What is qigong? It is the interexhange of qi between people and the universe. When the exchange of qi takes place, the qi works. It is this exchange of qi that creates an energy that brings about health in living beings and in the natural environment. When there is qi, there is life. When there is no qi, there is no life.

2. Qigong is a science. But it transcends modern science. Qigong as a science should be used to improve people’s lives – to teach them to be more natural and to attain a sense of total well-being. True qigong must be something that is not just an intellectual pursuit or something to study but should be applied to life.

3. What are the three functions of qigong?
Qigong is good for overall health. Through the exchange of qi, diseased qi is removed and fresh qi is gathered.
Qigong brings about the removal of negativities that lead to worry, sadness, anger, nervousness, fear, and a stressful life. As a result, one is free to lead a happy and carefree life. Modern medicine is good but only provides a temporary solution. If people want to maintain their health the energy level in the body must be in balance – the emotions must become balanced and even. Emotions can affect the physical body. The emotions and the physical body must be in harmony. This determines the quality of life.
Finally, qigong opens the heart. As one experiences the opening of the heart, this allows the qi from the universe to go to the entire body, removing the negativities that rob one of a life of perfect well-being.

4. The purpose of qigong is to bring all back to the original state, the natural state. Originally, all were in the qigong state. But today, human society and the natural environment are no longer in balance. This results in the outbreak of the sickness, wars, and natural disasters that we see today. Qi is the life force. It protects the whole world, man’s life, and the natural environment. This imbalance has brought about the deterioration in the quality of qi. When this happens, the power of the qi is diminished and the qi becomes useless, ineffectual.

5. The amount of qi in the universe is always the same. It is never more or less. But the quality of the qi can change. If the circulation is not good, if there is not enough of an exchange between man and the universe, it results in a harmful imbalance, in poor qi quality, in stale and stagnant qi, in diminished power.


6. To better the quality, to improve the circulation, human hearts must open. Unconditional love is the key that unleashes the power of qi. When the heart is open, immersed in the experience of love, the interflow of qi can take place making the qi work

7. The relationship between human beings in society can affect nature. If the family is happy it affects the community. If the community is flourishing, it affects the country. If the country is healthy, it affects the world. This, at the end is what leads to peace and harmony. Unconditional love is the root, is the key. It is to this purpose that Sheng Zhen Wuji Yuan Gong serves.

8. In the beginning, people spoke about love with ease because true love was everywhere. But now, people’s hearts have become cold – some people have become like ice. Even from the outside their façade locks the love inside. So it appears as though there is no love, that it is distant and far away. But actually, love is still there. Because people do not believe that others are capable of true love, people protect themselves by holding themselves back. Everyone wants to receive true love but people have lost the ability to trust and believe in others and in themselves as well. People are afraid to ask because they are afraid of rejection. So everyone waits and watches. It is as though true love is buried and frozen in ice. Hearts become encrusted and love is hidden from view. The competitive world has created an environment of confusion and skepticism distancing people from the experience of the love that exists in their own hearts. Can this kind of world ever reveal true love? In this world of cut-throat competition, how many people actually feel that they are leading a true life? Only when you have been awakened to love can you understand the true meaning of life.

9. The true qigong awakens understanding from the heart so people can have a natural life rooted in unconditional love. Qi is never separated from love. Through the practice of qigong, true love is always with you – the joy of the lightness of being is always with you. A healthy mind coming from the practice of qigong cooperates with the flow of qi in the body. In the end, one realizes that it is not that the heart and the mind are used to make the qi flow effectively. It just happens naturally, of its own accord. Then life is never seen apart from the qigong state. It is then that one’s life becomes established in it.

To learn more, please visit www.shengzhen.org

 

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