Hi!  My name is Lisa Stack, and I’m the CNY Fertility Support Coordinator.  I wanted to bring your attention to a few changes that we’ve made at our Syracuse CNY Healing Arts Center.  Our yoga studio is changing a little bit as we are adding fresh, new faces, and changing our times a little bit to coordinate with their schedules.  So, what we are doing is offering a nice variety of yoga instructors for you.  You can try some out to see if maybe one instructor appeals to you more than the other.  We’re also moving the Yoga for Fertility class back about 15 minutes on Tuesdays.  We no longer start at 5:30 but 5:45pm; however, it will end at 7:00pm.  Of course, we will have our Fertile Friends peer support session after the Yoga for Fertility class, so you’re more than welcome to take a look at that and try it out if you’d like.
Our yoga center really is a wonderful place of support; it really helps nurture your entire being—physical, spiritual, and emotional.  It really is great to help support your cycle as well.  We always talk about the benefits of Yoga for Fertility.  I encourage you to try it.  It’s one of my favorite ways to relax and support my fertility.  I really gain a lot from this center.  So, if you have any questions, please let me know.  Just make a note of the class changes if you’re one of our regulars; or if you’re just thinking about starting new at our center, it’s a great time to start as we have a lot of new, fresh faces and a lot of people coming in.  Have a great month!

The Health Benefits of Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose)

This asana targets your hips and your shoulders – two of the most common sites for chronic pain and tension in the body. If you have tight shoulders, daily practice of Cow Face can be slightly painful at first – but, after several months, it can be very therapeutic (sort of like releasing a pressure valve). It can also significantly increase range of motion in your shoulder joints.

To try Gomukhasana with a licensed yoga practitioner, check out our yoga class schedules for each branch of CNY Healing Arts (Syracuse, Rochester, Albany).

Getting Into Cow Face Pose:

Begin in Agnistambhasana (Fire Log Pose). Slide your knees together in front of you, stacking the right knee directly on top of the left. If you find this movement to be difficult, try coming forward on your hands and knees before aligning the knees. When aligned, sit back in between your feet – which should be equidistant from your hips. Support your weight evenly amongst your sitting bones.

Now for the upper body, extend your left arm up towards the sky. Then, bring your left hand down to the center of your back (hinging at the elbow). Reach your right arm out to the same side, parallel to the floor. Rotate the arm inward – your thumb will turn first towards the floor – until your palm faces the sky above.

This movement should put your shoulder in correct position for the next one. Take a deep breath and, as you exhale, sweep your right arm behind and in the hollow of your lower back (as parallel to your spine as is comfortable).

Keeping your spine long, hook fingers or hold hands behind your back. If they don’t reach, hold a belt or strap in both hands. Then, lift your left elbow toward the sky and draw your right elbow toward the ground. Keep your left arm close to your head. Center yourself.

Lift your chest and firm your shoulders blades against your lower back for stability. As a beginner, breathe steady and deep 4-6 times while holding posture. Then, release your arms, uncross your legs, and repeat Gomukhasana with the left knee on top and left elbow pointing down.

Benefits of Cow Face Pose:

• Stretches your hips, thighs, ankles and chest, shoulders, anterior deltoids, triceps, inner armpits and lats

Video: Fertile Grounds Cafe in Syracuse, NY

Hi!  This is Dr. Robert Kiltz.  It’s another awesome and amazing day in the universe.  Here we are at our new Fertile Grounds Café that’s in the works and being constructed here at our new center in Syracuse, New York making it better and more comfortable.  When we reduce stress in life, doesn’t that make it easier to get what you desire?  Check us out at cnyfertility.com and learn more about how you can help yourself be fertile.  It’s the secret of life.  God Bless.  Enjoy the day, Dr. Rob.

 

Acupuncture for Athletes and Their Injuries

Did you know that acupuncture – a 2,500 year old system of medicine founded in China – can assist you with your athletic performance and any injuries endured while training and competing?

Yes, it can according to current research and thousands of Americans who try acupuncture each year and who can attest to its benefits.

Acupuncture, a complimentary form of medicine that is increasing in popularity and use, involves the insertion of tiny, hair-like needles into the skin to balance the body and improve overall health and well-being.

Acupuncture works through the stimulation of specific points on the body located on meridians or pathways. When these energetic pathways are blocked, the result is imbalance, illness and pain. Stimulation of acupuncture points improves both energy flow and blood circulation, improves energy levels and also provides relief from pain. “The brain is stimulated to release endorphins and trigger the immune system to help injuries heal. If done when an injury is “fresh,” acupuncture can significantly reduce recovery time. “¹

During a treatment, an acupuncturist may place the needles in the location of the pain or injury, or he or she may choose to place the needles distally – in another area of the body. For example, needles may be placed at the wrists to heal an injury of the foot. This style of treatment is especially beneficial for an ankle sprain where directly needling a swollen or inflamed area might be painful. Acupuncture also builds energy in the body to assist in recovery after training or competing.

Acupuncture is part of a broader system of Traditional Chinese Medicine that involves needling, as well as the use of Chinese herbs (both internally and topically), and electro-acupuncture (electro-stimulation) whereby cords are attached to the needles and electrical current sends “pulses” to muscle fibers to move energy, relieve blood stagnation and thus, relieve pain.

Research shows strong evidence that acupuncture alleviates pain in many places in the body and specifically in the back, knees, shoulders, elbows, wrists and neck. For runners and cyclists, acupuncture can be used to treat fatigue, muscle and joint pain, tight tendons, ankle sprains, shin splints, sciatica and planter’s fasciitis to name a few ailments.  Acupuncture received on a regular basis – once a week – for example can assist in preventing injury due to overuse of muscles, tendons and ligaments.

“Treating sport injuries with TCM and acupuncture, instead of conventional treatments such as ultrasound and interferential/electrotherapy, is now routine, rather than a novelty.”²

In recent years, acupuncture has been used by many well-known professional marathoners, and baseball, basketball and tennis players. And so, next time you experience fatigue or an injury or would like to improve performance; acupuncture can assist you in getting ready for your next race!

If you would like to explore acupuncture and the healing that it can offer, we welcome you to visit our website to learn more: http://cnyhealingarts.com, we have locations in Syracuse, Albany and Rochester, NY.

Written by:
Shelley Szymko-Carroll, L.Ac.
email sszymko-carroll@cnyhealingarts.com
2244 East Ave, Rochester, NY
Phone 585.244.1280

 

¹ Runner’s World, January 1, 2007. Can Acupuncture heal an injury?

²Journal of Chinese Medicine, Sports Injuries and TCM, Young, Kevin, Number 78, June 2005.

The Health Benefits of Vasisthasana (Side Plank Pose)

The full version of this pose is taught with the top leg raised perpendicular to the floor. Since that posture is too advanced for most beginners, we have a modified version told here that is suitable for any yogi.

To practice this pose with a licensed yoga teacher, check out our yoga class schedules at each branch of CNY Healing Arts (Rochester, Albany, Syracuse).

Getting Into Side Plank Pose:

Begin in Plank Pose. Lift your hips slightly up. Shift your weight onto your right arm as you roll onto the outside of your right foot, opening your whole body to the side. Keeping both feet flexed, stack your left foot on top of your right.

In this position, your legs should be kept very straight – so, press through your heels toward the floor. Your shoulders, hips and ankles should make one straight line. Do your best to stack your hips, knees, and ankles vertically on top of each other.

Reach your left arm straight up towards the sky, forming a line from your right wrist through your left fingers. Make sure that the supporting hand – your right hand, in this case – is not positioned directly below its shoulder. Keep the hand slightly in front of its shoulder.

Now, gaze up at your left fingertips and breathe steady and deep. Hold Vasisthasana for several breaths. To release, drop your raised arm to the floor and roll your body back into Plank Pose. If you like, rest in Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose) before repeating Side Plank to the left side for the same number of breaths.

Benefits of Side Plank Pose:

• Builds arm and shoulder strength
• Stretches and strengthens your wrists
• Strengthens your abdomen and legs
• Improves balance and coordination

The Power of Nutrition

Upstate New York is abundant with fresh fruits and vegetables in the summertime. These enlivening foods are readily available at local farmer’s markets, grocery stores and in personal gardens. Many foods that are recommended to enhance overall health are also recommended to support fertility.

According to Chinese medical nutrition, foods that one needs to support fertility will foremost be based on your Chinese medical diagnosis. One needs to eat foods that help support the individual system-we can get very specific with dietary choices depending on what our diagnosis is. To support fertility in general, one should eat foods that are considered kidney tonics and blood tonics. Additionally, there are foods that are categorized as qi movers, qi tonics, blood movers, damp resolvers, etc. which are determined individually. Each of these categories points to a different set of symptoms, for example, amenorrhea versus heavy menstruation or endometriosis versus PCOS. For the sake of simplicity I will highlight a few of these nutrient rich foods that are considered blood and kidney tonics which all individuals can benefit from to support a healthy body and reproductive system.

Beets

Beets are known as a ‘blood tonic’ in Chinese medicine. A blood tonic ‘builds the blood’ and is typically high in fiber, minerals, possibly iron as well as other nutrients essential for the oxygenation of blood. Raw beets can be grated on salads and sandwiches, cooked in soups, sauteed, steamed or roasted. Beets contain significant amounts of potassium, fiber, and folate.

Dark Leafy Greens

The dark leafy greens include: spinach, swiss chard, arugula, mesclun greens, collard, kale, and red/green lettuce. These vegetables have significant amounts of vitamins, A, C and K. Spinach is high in folate while swiss chard is a great source of iron and, like kale, fiber. Kale is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Dark leafy greens are best consumed after they have been lightly steamed, sauteed or cooked in soups.

Berries

Raspberries, blackberries and blueberries can be found in your own back yard, nature trails and even along the side of the road. These fruits flourish during the summer. According to Chinese medicine berries are kidney tonics. They nourish the fundamental source of our reproductive components: egg, sperm, and overall vitality. They contain significant levels of flavonoids whose antioxidant natures are known for anti-tumor and cardiovascular benefits.

To determine your Chinese medical diagnosis and which additional foods may benefit you, please consult with one of our Licensed Acupuncturists below.

ALBANY
Phone 518-724-5750
Rebecca Rice M.S., L.Ac. email rrice@cnyhealingarts.com
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SYRACUSE
Phone 315.671.5755
Donald Clarke, L.Ac. email dclarke@cnyhealingarts.com

—
ROCHESTER
Phone 585.244.1280
Shelley Szymko-Carroll, L.Ac. email sszymko-carroll@cnyhealingarts.com

The Health Benefits of Halasana (Plow Pose)

We at CNY Healing Arts invite you to bask in the many benefits of Halasana. This is an excellent pose for the morning, since it promotes alertness and a flexible spine – the spine can become somewhat compressed during sleep, which can cause tightness or stiffness in the back.

To practice this pose with a licensed yoga instructor, check out our yoga class schedule for each location (Syracuse, Rochester, Albany).

Getting Into Plow Pose:

Begin in Salamba Sarvangasana (Supported Shoulderstand). Hesitate and breathe deeply for a few seconds. Then, bend from your hip joints, slowly lowering your toes to the floor above your head. If you cannot touch the floor with your toes, practice this pose near a wall so that your feet will reach the wall when you bring your legs over head.
Try and keep your legs fully extended, toes perpendicular to the floor. Your feet should stay together throughout Halasana. Interlace your fingers behind your back and straighten your arms away from your legs, rolling the shoulders into place one at a time.

Press the arms actively down into the floor as you draw your tailbone and the tops of your thighs towards the sky. Your hips should be aligned over your shoulders. Continue to draw your chin away from your chest, softening the throat. Breathe steady and deep.

Hold posture for 30 seconds to 5 minutes, depending on your skill. To release, lift your legs back into Salamba Sarvangasana and roll your body out of the pose as you exhale – one vertebra at a time, keeping your legs straight and feet together.

Benefits of Plow Pose:

• Stretches all muscles and ligament in your calves and thighs, resulting in greater leg flexibility
• Therapeutic for leg cramps
• Stimulates your thyroid, parathyroid, throat, lungs and abdominal organs
• Helps relieve gas and upper/lower back pain or discomfort
• Promotes good digestion
• Stretches your shoulders and spine
• Therapeutic for menopause, infertility, insomnia, headache and sinusitis
• Relieves stress and fatigue

Featured Tonic of the Month for July: Kidney Tonic

Kidney Tonic is used for decreased polyuria (excessive urination), dysuria (burning in the urine), and to prevent kidney stone formation.

The herbs included in this tonic include Balsam Bark, Cornsilk and Mexican Wild Yam.  Combined, these herbs work as a gentle detoxification of the liver, are anti-inflammatory, and lymphatic cleansing.  Corn silk has a high concentration of potassium and a powerful diuretic.  It has also been found to lower blood pressure in Chinese research.

A possible side effect of this tonic is that the urine may appear darker or cloudier for a few days.  You should not use this tonic if you have advanced kidney disease, kidney failure, cancer of the kidney or bladder or during pregnancy.

Kidney Tonic is 10% off for the month of July.  Please contact a Maya Abdominal Therapy practitioner at any of our CNY Healing Arts locations for further information. Click here for contact information.

Video: Maya Abdominal Massage-Uterine Position & Infertility

Hello, my name is Erika Lutwin, Licensed Massage Therapist and a certified Maya Abdominal Practitioner here at CNY Healing Arts in Syracuse.  I’m talking just a few minutes today more about the Maya Abdominal Therapy.  Maya Abdominal Therapy has been practiced here in the Syracuse location for two years; we’ve had a great deal of success with this.  The idea behind the Maya Abdominal Therapy is that we’re dealing with the uterus and guiding the uterus back into position.  The uterus is held into place by ten ligaments.  Those ligaments attach back on the sacral area.  It’s very easy for the uterus to become displaced.  It could be from a bad fall on the tailbone, or sacral area, it could be from a past pregnancy.  What this is doing, it leads to the uterus becoming displaced.  When the uterus becomes displaced, sometimes fertility is an issue, sometimes menstrual cycles are very irregular or they don’t happen at all.  So, what we’re doing is trying to guide the uterus back into its optimum place.

We need a little bit of time when we’re doing this.  Many times when people are setting up an IUI or IVF cycle, they’re coming in the day before or the week before.  We like to have people come in a few times, spread out over a number of weeks so that we can get things kind of going and make those changes happen.   We also teach you self-care.  That’s where we notice the biggest changes come from is the actual self-care.  That only takes us about 5 minutes a day.  At a typical session, we have you come in and fill out a very-detailed intake form where we’re going to ask you certain questions; we do the treatment, and then teach you the self-care.  Then what we do is we like to have you come back every two or three weeks, again spread out over a few months.  Then, we just kind of go with it.  We just see if the changes are going to happen and adjust as needed.  One of the things that we really do encourage people if you’re coming in and if you’re doing a consult is to come over next door; or if you’re in the Albany or Rochester area location, talking to the Maya Abdominal practitioner, and setting up a meeting or a consult.  We can go over a little bit further your health history and we can talk to you a little bit further about what we can do to help you.

If you have any questions, feel free to call us or email us at any time.  Thank you for your time.

Erika Lutwin, LMT
CNY Healing Arts Center, Syracuse
191 Intrepid Lane, Syracuse, NY 13205
315.671.5755
elutwin@cnyhealingarts.com