Cupping is a unique therapy where a jar is attached to the skin surface to cause local congestion through negative pressure created by introducing heat. This method was widely used in ancient times all through out Asia and China. Cupping is indicated for a wide range of conditions it is widely used for Pain for example back pain. Promotes circulation, cleansing and strengthening.
September 1, 2012 – Relocation
IT HAS BEEN A PLEASURE WORKING IN MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA.YET AS OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2012 I HAVE MOVED TO HOUSTON TEXAS. I SHOULD BE AVAILABLE TO THE WEST HOUSTON AREA BY LATE FALL 2012. AS I WILL BE GETTING THE PRESTIGIOUS NCCAOM DIPLOMATE OF ORIENTAL MEDICINE WHICH IS FOUR FURTHER EXAMS. TEXAS LICENSE OF ACUPUNCTURE AS WELL.
Foods For Stress
Foods for Depression and Stress
Most of us are under tons of pressure lately, whether it’s health, finances, climate change, politics, family or all of the above;such levels of stress can induce acute anxiety or even depression. Eating the right foods can do wonders. Chinese and Western nutrition look at food very differently. While Western medicine analyzes nutrients and what they do, Chinese medicine views food energetically. Chinese nutrition views anxiety and stress as kidney and liver imbalances. Drink plenty of water and these foods to nourish the body to help alleviate anxiety and stress.
Eat plenty of: Root veggies – yams, radishes, parsnips, beets, carrots, and potatoes. I like to bake yams, Juice Beets and Carrots.
Dark leafy greens – chard, kale, spinach, arugula, watercress. You can use any of these greens in a salad or juice. (Dark bitter greens nourish the Heart Qi, which is great to elevate the mood)
Sea vegetables – kelp, nori, wakame, hijiki, dulse, kombu. Sprinkle some in your salad, or add to sushi with brown rice and avocado or to miso broth.
To nourish the adrenals (Kidney QI ) – Black beans, black sesame seeds, mung beans
To nourish the l iver and (Liver QI ) - artichokes, avocados, greens, lemons & limes,grapefruit, green apples, apple cider vinegar, Spirulina and greens. Blackberries, Coconut and Tropical Fruits. Also make sure to get enough of the following nutrients:
Folic acid: found in: brown, red and wild rice; beans; oranges; dark greens.
Vitamin B-12: found in: sea vegetables, nutritional yeast, miso, fortified and fermented foods. People with Vitamin B deficiencies are more likely to have severe depression.
Magnesium: found in: wheat and oat bran, brown rice, nuts, molasses, which supports brain function and is helpful for mood disorders, including PMS and bipolar disorder.
Omega-3 fatty acids: seaweed, walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, borage oil, primrose oil, which build healthy brain cell membranes and help facilitate neuron-to-neuron communication.
Chromium: broccoli, grapes, oranges, whole grains, which lessens depression, particularly in people who are also craving sugar. Chromium is a blood sugar stabilizer.
Zinc (found in: beans, nuts, oatmeal), which helps metabolize omega-3 fatty acids in the brain. Low zinc levels are often found in those suffering from postpartum depression.
I hope this information helps lift your spirits! Only eat what your body resonates with.
Live natural. Live well. love. Laugh.
Becky Castano LAc, MATCM
832-812-2802
Acupuncture for Pregnancy
I received Acupuncture and other Holistic Healing modalities during my past two Pregnancies. I found it to be very effective for aches & pains morning sickness, stress, emotional imbalances, preparation for labor, lactation and post natal support.
Questions or concerns: beckycastano@gmail.com
Postnatal Wellness
POST-NATAL WELLNESS
By: Becky Castano L.Ac,
Pregnancy, labor, delivery and lactation can be demanding on our body’s energy and natural resources of blood, hormones, and nutrients. Motherhood of an infant has it’s own set of demands on our body and mind. The journey of birth, labor, excess emotions, sensations, blood loss, fluid-loss, and lack of sleep can take a toll on our bodies. Most mothers experience moments of utter fatigue, exhaustion and feelings of being overwhelmed. Later a woman may develop anemia, dry skin, dry eyes, dry hair, moodiness, depression, mental fogginess, dysmenorrheal, amenorrhea and back pain. Complimentary medicines such as Acupuncture and herbal medicines may just have the answers.
In the scope of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture we seek to find the root cause of a problem and then treat the root. In this case above we would call that a form of acute blood deficiency. Acupuncture and (TCM) can help, by nourishing with potent blood tonic herbs and blood tonic nourishing foods. Our intention and focus is to increase the body’s energy, production of blood cells, stabilize mood and support lactation. I have found that complementary holistic nutrition and Chinese herbal medicine is a key component in increasing the nutrient density of your milk. It is important to eat right, replenish with supplements such as vitamins, herbs, Iron and omega-3 oils (DHA).
After childbirth woman of many different traditions make seaweed soups, which are mineral rich and rebalancing to the female endocrine system. Food truly is our medicine. Also an Interesting fact almost every mammal consumes it’s own placenta after birth, which provides them with the nutrient density to heal well. Some modern practitioners today have technique to conveniently encapsulate your placenta. It is a safe protocol to enhance balancing the hormones and prevention and or management of postpartum depression. I also l recommend Fenugreek and Nursing Support Teas (Yogi Tea), Prenatal/Postnatal Yoga, chiropractic care, reflexology and massage.
Acupuncture is known for its balancing and therapeutic benefits on Stress and pain management. Acupuncture improves microcirculation; regulates immunity, respiration, temperature, pressure, hormonal secretions, and sensitivities. Acupuncture can benefit neuromuscular co-ordination, stimulate the central nervous system, activates mechanism of repair and regeneration. Acupuncture provides a tune up to the organs, tissues of the body and enhances a dynamic equilibrium. It is a natural adaptogenic increasing the body’s natural ability to handle stress. Acupuncture helps the body to secrete Natural pain inhibiting hormones, pleasure endorphins, and enkephalines. I have been receiving acupuncture for over 11 years and am still discovering the vast benefits of Acupuncture on our overall health.
Foods for Lactation Support
Often Western Medicine isnt utilized to Promote lactation and support mom’s postnatal needs. Integration of Acupuncture, Acupressure, Chinese herbs, Chinese Nutrition, Massage are Highly Recommended to support Lactation and mom’s during that sensitive postnatal time. Please enjoy this helpful list of foods and helpful resources known to support your milk Supply. I always Preface to “Always listen to your body and only Eat what you resonate with”. These are simply helpful useful suggestions from Chinese Nutritional perspective.
1. Increase daily water intake
2. Supplement with Electrolytes and HERBS if necessary
3. Foods to nourish and promote Lactation: Peanuts, Carrots, Beets, Yams, Parsley, Seaweed, Fennel, Papaya, Basil, Marjoram, Anise, Dill, Caraway, Turmeric, Adsuki, Chickpeas, Lentils, Mung beans, Edamame, Flax seed meal, Spirulina, Brewers yeast, Fenugreek seed, blessed thistle, Marshmallow root, Nettle, Fennel seed. Pork trotters & soup, Green Papaya Seaweed soup, Oysters, Carp fish tail, Chicken, Octopus. Also Black Bone Chicken Soup is full of Nutrients that can promote Post-Partum healing.
ALSO A CUSTOM HERBAL TEA CAN BE PRESCRIBED IF NECESSARY TO SUPPORT YOUR LACTATION NEEDS.
Recommended Books:
Much love, Becky Castano L.Ac., MATCM
Pediatric Acupuncture
Pediatric Acupuncture By: Becky Maher LAc
In our practice of holistic child health care, the goal is to create a learning partnership between practitioner and family. We want to educate and empower parents with options that support their child’s innate potential for well-being. Our work focuses on the uniqueness of each child. We will formulate a plan that integrates natural and gentle methods to recover balance and stimulate healing. The use of acupuncture for children is dependent on the severity of the condition and age of the child. Pediatric treatments are brief, lasting a few seconds to one minute, and younger children remain seated on their parent’s lap for treatment.
Unlike adult acupuncture, younger children do not have to sit still, as the needles are not retained. For young children, acupressure is more appropriate. Chinese nutritional therapy is an important component in the treatment of childhood ailments and is discussed with the parent(s) as part of every treatment. The ultimate goal is to achieve a state of greater health for the entire family that begins with the choices we make everyday. We are here to support you in making strong, confident, and informed choices. Constitutional benefits – Often, a child’s well being shows marked improvement in all aspects of their daily lives. Parents often note that a child’s mood, happiness, energy, and vitality blossom.
More information about Pediatric Acupuncture:
check out this Blog Website: http://kidsloveAcupuncture.com
What is a Super Bill?
Wikipedia explains that a Super bill is itemized form utilized by healthcare providers for reflecting rendered services. Superbill is the main data source for creation of healthcare claim, which will be submitted to payers (insurances, funds, programs) for reimbursement. Although the superbill form is not unified, and it is created/modified depending on healthcare provider specialty, type of rendered services, additional requirements, as well as ease of handling, there is a set of obligatory attributes, relevant to all superbill types. Each insurance plan is unique and different , you must call your insurance company for verification of acupuncture benefits.
Although at this time I do not currently do Insurance Billing , I render a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. It is the best solution that empowers the patient to be more proactive with their health. Our office can accept most HSA’s Cards so invest in your health today.
Contact: beckycastano@gmail.com
Herbs Not Used in Pregnancy
We use a wide variety of Traditional Chinese Herbs to support a healthy Pregnancy and Postpartum Recovery. I personally have used while pregnant for quite a number of reasons; Stress, Lack of energy, Ankle edema, for stabilizing emotions, digestive issues and lactation support. I would definetly turn to them in need for serious issues as well. Yet have been fortunate not to have needed them.
What is Cupping?
What Is Cupping ?
According to the “Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion” which is one of our reference textbooks from Beijing China recently revised in 2010.
Cupping is a unique therapy where a jar is attached to the skin surface to cause local congestion through negative pressure created by introducing heat . This method was widely used in ancient times all through out Asia and China.Cupping is indicated for a wide range of conditions it is most widely used for Pain for example back pain. ” The cupping method has the function of warming and promoting the free flow of qi dampness,diminishing swellings and pains. ” In clinics the cupping method is mainly used to treat Bi Syndrome caused by what we call wind dampness, such as pain of lumbar, shoulders and legs. It is also indicated for stomachache, vomiting, diarrhea and gastrointestinal disorders. I have also used it personally for respiratory issues as a preventative measure. After cupping depending on the patients level of blood stagnation there is bruising at the local area which generally will disappear within several days. That is completely normal healing response to this method.
I love cupping and have found it so clinically beneficial it is such an effective modality.
If you are interested in learning more about Cupping or would like to experience this.
