Acupuncture can be a wonderful addition to a treatment plan and is used for a variety of health concerns. As part of my practice, I most often use acupuncture for:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Sleep and Insomnia 
• Menstrual cycle complaints 
• Fertility and in conjunction with assisted reproductive technology (IUI/IVF)
• Muscle tension, pain, or triggers points (Tight traps? Let's talk...) 
• Headaches and TMJ pain 

 
One of the most beneficial aspects of acupuncture is that for most people it is an incredibly relaxing and grounding treatment Most (if not all) of us can benefit from this on a regular basis. 
 
Here’s 5 things you should know before your first acupuncture treatment: 

1. Comfy clothes are best (and no, you don't have to get naked)
   Most acupuncture treatments can be done while fully clothed. Stretchy pants that can roll up to the knee are best, paired with a loose t-shirt or long sleeved shirt. If you're sporting high waisted skinny jeans or a pencil skirt, no worries. You can always change into a gown for more comfort. 
   
   
2. You put what, where?! 
   Your practitioner will insert ultra thin flexible needles into the skin and muscle tissue (NOT bones or nerves). Different needle lengths are used for different areas of the body. The number of needles can vary from 10 to 30 (and up to 100 with some traditional acupuncturists). Most treatments involve needle placement in all four limbs (feet, ankles, hands, wrists) as well as abdomen, head and/or scalp. 
   
   
3. It should be enjoyable, not painful. 
   Normal sensations include a dull ache, small pinch, or perhaps feeling heavy or ‘pinned’ to the table. Most often, people feel nothing at all while the needles are being inserted. You should not feel sharp pain or shooting sensations at any time. Some people feel very calm or grounded during treatments. Others may notice certain emotions coming to the surface. Each experience (and treatment) can be different depending on what you are trying to achieve. 
   
   
4. Be still 
   Needles should remain in place for at least 20 minutes. Do your best not to move during this time as this can cause bending of the needles (which can be uncomfortable). 
   
   
5. It's okay to fall asleep 
   Most people feel very calm and relaxed both during and after acupuncture treatments. Some feel tired, sleepy, or even spacey. All are normal. Planning for a treatment at the end of your work day is a great way to decompress and maximize the benefits of acupuncture. 

Remember, each practitioner and treatment may be different. If you have questions or concerns, voice them with your practitioner before you begin. Still have questions? Post them below! 

Do you have a love-hate relationship with Sundays?

As the weekend comes to a close do you fill with dread at the thought of Monday looming around the corner?

Yup, been there!  

If Sundays are stressing you out, head on over to The Natural Path and read my latest article on some easy things YOU can incorporate into your Sundays to ease the anxiousness and help you ROCK your work week. 

These go a long way in keeping you stress-free during the week, while also preventing total burnout in the long run. (I'm looking at you professional super moms) 

Hope you enjoy, 

Dr. Katie Rothwell, ND 

Direct link: ​http://thenatpath.com/mind/sunday-routine-rocking-work-week/

A traditional style of meditation isn't for everyone, and for some it may even seem impossible!

If your stress and anxiety levels are through the roof, sitting calmly with your thoughts may seem more like a nightmare than a therapeutic tool. 

Although meditation DOES get easier the more we practice, there are other alternatives that you can use. I go through some of these alternatives in my newest article for EcoParent Magazine, and you can read all about them HERE. 

Hope you enjoy! 

Dr. Rothwell 

Most commonly used for the treatment of anxiety or insomnia, hops are also studied for reducing menopausal symptoms, digestion, muscle pain and tightness. 


     
       
Hops are most well known for contributing it’s bitter properties to the beer brewing process. However, the primary use of hops medicinally has been as a sedative. Hops increase the activity of GABA, which is a calming neurotransmitter that acts on our central nervous system. This mode of action makes hops very useful in the treatment of anxiety or insomnia.  It is commonly combined with valerian as an agent to treat sleeplessness, and has been shown to be just as effective as diphenhydramine (the ingredient in most OTC sleep aids) for occasional insomnia.

In additional to the CNS, hops also exert a relaxation effect on the musculoskeletal system and may be helpful for muscle pain and inflammation, restless leg syndrome, and delirium tremens.

Hops have also been studied for their estrogenic effects. It may help to reduce many of the symptoms of menopause, especially in women who experience sleeplessness or insomnia during the menopausal years.

The bitter properties of hops make it a great stomachic herb when taken as a tea or tincture. It acts by toning the stomach, increasing gastric juices and improving appetite. That said, it IS a bitter herb, and may not be the most enjoyable herb to add to a tea without some other tasty herbs alongside. 

Hops can be find in health dispensaries as a tincture (herbal extract), dried herb, or in tablet or capsule form. Talk to your healthcare provider or naturopathic doctor before adding any new supplements into your treatment plan to ensure the right dose, form, and to prevent any unwanted interactions with other herbs or drugs. 

Take care, 

Katie 

Contraindication: Do not use hops if you experience depression, as the sedative effects may exacerbate symptoms

References
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16335333
http://www.racgp.org.au/afp/201006/37659
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22849837
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1852439/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23028754