Ear seeds! Auricular acupuncture (acupuncture of the ear) is used to approach a number of concerns. Points might be needled and/or have ear seeds applied to them. These little beads can be left on for days at a time, allowing for longer stimulation of the acupuncture point(s).
The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol using auricular acupuncture points is often used as an adjunctive therapy for addictions and behavioural health disorders.
Fun fact: my dad swears by this protocol - he found it so helpful when he quit smoking (after 35 years) last year!
Image provided by:
Stuyt, E.B.; Voyles, C.A.; Bursac, S. NADA Protocol for Behavioral Health. Putting Tools in the hands of Behavioral Health Providers: The Case for Auricular Detoxification Specialists. Medicines 2018, 5, 20.
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Androgens are often referred to as ‘male sex hormones,’ but they’re present in both men and women. When it comes to women, we hear the most about testosterone, DHEA-S and DHT.
Birth control is NOT the only option for painful (dysmenorrhea) and/or heavy periods (menorrhagia). And before jumping on a medication or supplement your HCP should always look into potential causes of extreme cramping – ie. endometriosis, fibroids, etc.
Prostaglandins are a major factor in menstrual cramps – once a month (when Aunt Flow comes to town) they cause uterine muscles to contract in order to release the uterine lining (endometrium). Prostaglandins aren’t bad (they are important for blood clots, inducing labour, etc.), but if certain prostaglandins are high in your cycle – this can predispose to more painful menstrual cramping.
I’m excited to share that in an effort to increase accessibility to naturopathic care, I am offering virtual consults to individuals who live in rural areas of Manitoba.
Perimenopause: the hormonal shift, occurring over months-years, which transitions you into menopause. ‘Peri’ means “around” or “near”, so - you get the point.
Chronically stressed out? I won’t lie, me too.
But yikes, that eventually catches up to you. Cortisol (aka our stress hormone) is important for our functioning (and our ability to adapt to stress) – but too much or too little can be problematic.
Do you know how to deal with chronically elevated cortisol?
I’m willing to bet you’ve heard the term ‘PCOS’ before.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). The first thing I want to emphasize: it’s a syndrome – not all signs and symptoms show up in every individual with PCOS.
So, how do you know if you have PCOS?
Time and time again, infertility problems are often primarily thought of as a female issue. Male infertility is talked about significantly less, and in my own clinical and personal experience, more commonly overlooked. Men considering their own fertility may feel isolated, and even undervalued in their own contribution to the process. So, let’s talk about it.
I’m often asked “what do you do?”
Here’s some insight into how it works.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). What are they?
What are some interventions that Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) will use to support women dealing with these symptoms?
Let’s talk about my four favourite botanicals: Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata), Nettle (Urticaria dioica), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Green Tea (Camellia sinensis).
I’ll talk about why I love that particular herb, what I use it for, how I use it and any other therapeutic uses.