by Margaret Wertheim MS RD

When it comes to fertility and pregnancy, folic acid, iron and calcium are the vitamins and minerals that tend to get much of the attention. We would argue that there are quite a few other nutrients that don’t get nearly enough attention, and one of these is choline. Choline is an essential nutrient that your body can synthesize in small amounts, but the majority must be obtained in your diet. While you may constantly hear about the importance of folic acid for the prevention of neural tube defects like spina bifida, research indicates that higher choline intake during pregnancy is associated with lower risk of neural tube defects as well. In addition, choline is converted to betaine in your body, which assists in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, thus preventing homocysteine levels from becoming elevated. Elevated homocysteine is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease and miscarriage, and in one study was associated with poorer egg and embryo quality in women with PCOS undergoing IVF. Furthermore, choline is a precursor to the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, which is involved in memory and muscle control. In a study in rodents, when mothers consumed higher levels of choline, their offspring had significantly better memory throughout their lives. Thus choline intake during pregnancy may have a very long-term impact on memory and brain function from infancy into adulthood.

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the average choline intake in pregnant women is only about 338 mg/day, while the daily requirement during pregnancy is 450 mg. Daily choline needs increase to 550 mg while breastfeeding, as breast milk is a rich source of choline. Good food sources of choline include eggs, meat and fish, dairy, legumes, and certain whole grains, nuts and seeds. Vegans and vegetarians with limited intake of eggs and dairy products are at increased risk of having a choline-deficient diet. Very few prenatal vitamins contain any choline at all, and those that do usually contain only very small amounts. Luckily, Prenate Pro and Prenatal Plus both contain 200 mg choline, which can give you the extra boost you need to ensure you’re meeting your daily choline requirement. That being said, it’s also absolutely essential to include choline-rich foods in your diet on a daily basis.

References:
Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Choline

Caudill, et al. Pre- and Postnatal Health: Evidence of Increased Choline Needs. J Am Diet Assoc. 2010; 110:1198-1206

Berker, et al. Homocysteine concentrations in follicular fluid are associated with poor oocyte and embryo qualities in polycystic ovary syndrome patients undergoing assisted reproduction. Reproductive Endocrinology. 2009; 24(9):2293-2302.

Zeisel, et al. Importance of methyl donors during reproduction. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009; 89( suppl):673S-677S.

Cathleen McCauley L.M.T.

by Cathy McCauley, LMT

If painful periods plague you, massage may reduce your discomfort, according to a recent study by the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in Isfahan, Iran. Conducted in 2010, the research studied the effects of massage therapy on dysmenorrhea, also referred to as painful periods, caused by endometriosis.

“Endometriosis is one of the prevalent diseases highly affecting women’s quality of life during childbearing ages…it can cause side effects such as severe pelvic pain, painful intercourse, abnormal uterine bleeding, painful menstruation and decreased fertility. All this can negatively affect women’s ability to work and have familial relations, and reduce their self-confidence,” states the study’s authors.

The study included 23 female patients, ranging in age from 21 to 40, who had been diagnosed with endometriosis and suffering from dysmenorrhea. Prior to the study nearly 70 percent of the women reported having menstrual pain before and after menstruation. A visual analog scale was used for each patient to rate menstrual pain on three occasions: before receiving any massage treatments, immediately following the first menstruation after the treatments and again six weeks later.

Treatments consisted of 20 massage sessions, each 20 minutes in length. The participants were treated with massage to specific points on their abdomen, sides and back.

Results of the study found that massage therapy has immediate and long-term effects on reduction of menstrual pain caused by endometriosis. In fact, pain reduction reached 65.2 percent six weeks after the massage treatments up from 34.8 percent immediately after treatments, showing long-term pain reduction being a significant.

So whether you’re experiencing painful menstruation, pelvic pain or decreased infertility due to endometriosis, massage may be able to help lessen your pain. To learn more about Pulling Down the Moon’s massage protocols, please contact me at cathleen@pullingdownthemoon.com or 312.321.0004. I look forward to working with you!  To schedule an appointment click here!

References

P Bahadoran, N. Ghasemi, R. Heshmat, M. Valiani. Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2010 Autumn; 15(4): 167–171. Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; International Manual Medicine College of France; and Acupuncture School of Shanghai, Shanghai, China.

by Beth Heller M.S. and Laura Dubrule, R.D., L.D.N.

At Pulling Down the Moon we will often recommend a “cleanse” diet following a miscarriage or failed ART cycle.  While a cleanse can, at times, entail the elimination of one or more common food allergens like dairy, wheat and soy, elimination is not the basis of our program.  More often than not our cleanse consists of limiting processed sugar and other processed foods, artificial additives and colors while focusing on foods that support our body’s anti-inflammatory and detoxification processes.  The cleanse program at Pulling Down the Moon is individualized and takes into consideration a woman (or man’s) past and present digestive function, hormonal and other symptoms, medical history and current lifestyle.

One key element of our program is supporting hormone balance.  After a failed ART cycle or a miscarriage, a woman’s body must re-establish hormonal balance and function.  It may have been months since her last natural menstrual cycle. Weight gain during treatment may also impact hormone balance.  Yet another common symptom reported by our patients post-ART is anxiety and a lasting case of “the blues.”   It’s very easy to attribute these emotional side-effects to disappointment but there may also be a physical component.   The hormone medications used during the stimulation phase of an ART cycle, and the progesterone supplementation post-IUI and ET, can cause emotional side effects and these hormones can be slow to leave the body.  The liver is charged with processing these steroids before they can be excreted.  To do this it requires ample amounts of amino acids (in particular sulphur-containing amino acids), as well as the vitamins and minerals that work as co-factors in detoxification pathways.

Our ART Recovery/Prep Program focuses on limiting sources of external hormones by discouraging foods that contain hormones and hormone-like substances.  Chief offenders in this area include factory-farmed dairy and meat products which contain the hormones and growth factors used in production.  There are also hormone-like chemicals in pesticides and plastics.  By limiting these external sources of hormone-like substances and increasing the intake of foods that support good hormone function (fiber, lignans and lignins, a range of whole grains – not just wheat! – , healthy fats, cruciferous vegetables, antioxidant rich fruits and veg and added-hormone-free protein) we have the potential to bolster our body’s ability to metabolize and excrete excess hormones and restore balance in the reproductive cycle.

Our Rockville nutritionists Laura Dubrule, R.D. recently  shared a case with me that drove this message home.

My patient is 43 and had experienced two failed IVF cycles in quick succession (6 months time).  Her physician had noted several potential factors contributing to failure including egg quality and endometrial lining quality.  In addition, the patient had recently been diagnosed with PCOS.  Since her last IVF the patient was unable to lose the 8 pounds gained during IVF treatment despite eating a healthy diet and working out four times per week.

We discussed the impact of IVF medications on hormone levels as well as the impact of various dietary choices on her body’s ability to break down and clear excess hormones. We focused especially on tweaking her already health-supporting diet to include significant amounts of cruciferous vegetables and berries every day as well as a daily serving  of legumes.  I suggested she add two supplements, RePro Cleanse and FlowPro, to her regimen as well as vitamin D.

I was very surprised when the patient returned for follow-up having lost 8 lbs over the preceding two weeks.  At Pulling Down the Moon we are extremely careful not to encourage rapid weight loss but upon review of my patient’s diet it was clear that a reduction in calories was not a major factor in her weight loss. The patient reported feeling that the weight came off her abdominal area, that she had lost a bloated feeling, and that her clothes fit the way they used to.

The patient also told me about the resolution of another symptom she hadn’t mentioned in our initial consult. She had been experiencing high levels of anxiety while driving, especially on the highway.  This was not her experience historically, but had been a recent development.  Over the course of the two-week cleanse, this driving anxiety completely disappeared.

While we can’t be certain, we suspect that this rapid loss of water weight and alleviation of anxiety may have been due to an increased clearance of excess steroid hormones that had been circulating in her system.   Whatever the reason, the result was excellent.  While there is still work ahead, my patient is very pleased with the results of her cleanse and feels more like herself than she has in months.  We both agreed that anything we could do to reduce the lingering effects of ART would only help her feel more prepared for her next round of treatment.

We believe that a nutritional consultation can make a big difference in the fertility journey.   Our consultations are available in person in Chicago and the DC Metro area and by phone from almost anywhere else.  Call 312-321-0004 (Chicago) or 301-610-7755 (Rockville) for information.

RePro Cleanse includes kudzu, flax, rice protein and other micronutrients that support the liver’s detoxification processes. Because it contains plant estrogens and is designed to help balance and promote clearance of excess reproductive hormones, we do not use RePro Cleanse when a woman is on fertility medications or birth control.  We often recommend supplementation with Re Pro Cleanse when women are recovering from a failed cycle or miscarriage, or in cases of hormone-related conditions like fibroids or endometriosis.  We will also use RePro Cleanse when a woman’s IVF cycle is cancelled/postponed due to high baseline estrogen levels.   Used as directed over a period of 2-4 weeks we feel that this supplement can help jump start a woman’s recovery process in preparation for a subsequent cycle, be it ART or natural.  Of course we recommend that our patients clear any/all supplements with their physicians.

About Laura Dubrule

Laura brings an eclectic mix of passions to her nutrition counseling. Her years studying acting in New York taught her the importance of connecting with our bodies; this deep sense is fundamental to her understanding of diet and nutrition. Laura completed the program in Nutrition and Food Science at Hunter College in New York, and then went on to complete her dietetic internship at Stony Brook University, a program with an integrative and functional approach. She returned to the city and practiced in a worksite wellness program, delivering individualized nutrition counseling to bank employees in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Her vision for her clients could be called “whole foods meet real world.” She believes that food is meant to be enjoyed and works with her clients to find healthful approaches to eating that are satisfying and enjoyable.

Laura is thrilled to be working in concert with acupuncture, yoga and massage professionals because she believes that the nourishment and care of our hearts and souls is integral to the nourishment of our bodies. She considers it a privilege to be a resource to men and women on their fertility journeys and to celebrate every step long that path as an act of love and creation.

by  Tami Quinn, Pulling Down the Moon Co-Founder

Back in May, I attended a wonderful party at She Beads in Wilmette to celebrate the launch of a new jewelry line called, “Intention Beads.”   Sandy Rueve, the Founder and woman who started the hand-rolled, clay bead phenomenon and I became fast friends when we learned that each of us shared a love of astrology, eastern mysticism and beautiful jewelry.

Over the years, while making jewelry for Michael Jordan and Scotty Pippen of the Chicago Bulls and distributing her beads to high-end retailers around the world, Sandy was often told by her customers that her beads had a type of “power.”  “Nope,” she would reply, “They’re just jewelry beads infused with my good intentions and lots of personal energy.  I can’t really say they are powerful.”  Earlier this year, however, Sandy had an “aha” moment.  She had learned from her personal astrologer that there were certain times of the year when the energy created by planetary transits could be auspicious for manifesting ones deep-hearted desires.  Think the energy of the moon affecting the ebb and flow of the tides or the energy of the sun that allows plants to grow.  Armed with this information, Sandy decided to work with her astrologer to create “Intention Beads.”  These special beads are hand-made by Sandy during astrological transits that will help bring about certain universal intentions; things like strengthening partnerships, rekindling ones sex life, the ability to find creative passion or the drive to be assertive.  These beads are then made into beautiful bracelets infused with the energy of the astrological transits occurring at the moment the beads are created.

As Sandy told me about her new beads, I couldn’t help but get excited about bringing them to Pulling Down the Moon and creating Fertility Intention Jewelry.  We began to brainstorm on what this special line of Fertility beads could look like and the intention they might hold.  I told her that I felt pretty strongly that the astrologist who was involved should be credible and understand the fertility process.  Sandy said she’d ask Barbara and let me know.  “Barbara,” I said, “Barbara Schermer from AstrologyAlive.com?”  Sandy looked astonished that I should know her astrologer.  As fate would have it, Barbara is the very same astrologer that Pulling Down the Moon has used for years to do readings for fertility patients who request them.  It seemed like a match made in heaven, SheBeads, Barbara Schermer and Pulling Down the Moon creating one-of-a-kind fertility intention bracelets.  Our first batch just arrived and they are beautiful, unique and filled with love and good energy.  You might say they have been designed to be your special fertility talisman or good luck charm throughout this challenging process of becoming a parent.

We currently have just two left but will be making more in mid-August with the next auspicious fertility transit.  We invite you to view Sandy’s video and explore owning your own intention bracelet.  It is truly our honor to be offering this exclusive product at Pulling Down the Moon.

http://shop.pullingdownthemoon.com/cat/Fertility-Jewelry-and-Talisman_52.aspx

Artiss YouTube Embed: No video/playlist ID has been supplied

Artiss YouTube Embed: No video/playlist ID has been supplied

Namaste,

Tami Quinn

Co-Founder

by Beth Heller, M.S.

To fully comprehend the latest research on omega-3 fatty acids and embryo quality it’s important to understand that the goal of medicated fertility cycles is not simply to make a lot of eggs.   In fact mild ovarian stimulation that results in fewer follicles seems to provide the best results.  This approach allows only the healthiest follicles and oocytes to develop.  Since developing follicles produce estrogen, fewer developing follicles also mean lower estrogen levels during the cycle.  This is also potentially beneficial as higher estrogen levels may negatively impact uterine receptivity and deter embryo implantation.

New research suggests that a higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids ALA, DHA and EPA may support this objective (1).  In 225 women undergoing IVF diet data was collected using a food frequency questionnaire.   Intake of  the omega-3 fatty acids ALA,EPA and DHA were calculated, as well as omega-6 (LA) intake and the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats in the diet.

In this study, the women with the highest dietary intake of omega-3′s had lower estrogen response, developed fewer follicles and had better quality embryos, even after controlling for confounders like age and BMI.  A higher omega-6 to omega-3 ratio was associated with higher numbers of follicles.  If the goal of fertility treatment is to help women produce fewer, higher-quality eggs, this research suggests that women undergoing ART  should strive to increase consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and decrease the amount of omega-6 they consume.

As a result of these findings, the research team recommends that twice-weekly fish intake should be encouraged in women during fertility treatment.  While generally useful, this recommendation does not take into consideration the risk of toxicity from fish consumption – especially in the perinatal period.  In fact,  the fish richest in omega-3 fatty acids are the ones most likely to contain mercury and other contaminants.  For this reason, our recommendation at Pulling Down the Moon is that women work to lower their intake of omega-6 fats (found in snack and fast foods, factory/grain-fed red meat and processed oils), increase  their intake of leafy greens, nuts and seeds and supplement their diet with a high quality, purity tested fish oil supplement.

Supplements are only a small part of fertility nutrition, however.  For more information about fish oil, diet and egg/embryo quality, schedule a consultation with one of our nutrition specialists. Learn more about omega-3 fatty acids here.

1.  Hammiche et al. Fertility and Sterility. Vol. 95, No. 5, April 2011 1820-23

Beth Heller, MS, RYT

At the Moon we are constantly striving to increase our E.Q.I.Q. (Egg Quality I.Q.) and for years we have believed that nutrition can play a role in eqq quality.  However, until recently there were few studies to support this claim so we needed to temper our recommendations with the phrase “but there isn’t any clinical evidence for this yet.”   Now, several new investigations have shown that, yes, certain nutritional supplements may make a difference in egg quality.  The goal of this blog is to summarize the latest clinical news,  discuss the substances that are now showing potential benefits for women with poor egg quality and help you make choices about which supplements may be right for you.  As with any supplement protocol, you should always consult your physician before starting.

1.  Myo-inositol (MI)

Very recently two clinical trials were published that clarified a lot of the unknowns about myo-inositol, a product we use at PDtM under the name of FlowPro.   Myo-inositol (MI) is a part of the B vitamin complex and is a known insulin-sensitizer.  It has also been shown to improve both physical (hirsutism and acne) and reproductive (anovulation and amenorrhea) manifestations of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).  In addition, myo-inositol plays a role in cell growth and early studies indicated that higher levels of MI in the follicular fluid was associated with better egg quality.

Several exciting new studies have emerged that have shed new light on MI and its role in fertility, particularly Assisted Reproductive Technology.  The latest study of interest demonstrated that treatment with 4 g per day of MI for three months prior to IVF improved egg quality in women who had failed a previous IVF due to poor egg quality. In this study the treatment also included 3g per day of melatonin, which I will talk about next.

But first, a note about inositol.  For some time there has been a debate as to the efficacy of d-chiro vs. myo-inositol for fertility.  We have chosen to use MI in our products because a) this is the form that has been used in all the clinical research we have seen to date on PCOS, egg and embryo quality and b) it is less expensive than the d- form.  Now, a new study confirms that myo-inositol seems to be more effective than d-chiro for egg and embryo-quality. On another happy note, MI  has also been shown to have a positive therapeutic effect on mood disorders that are responsive to SSRI’s (serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors) including depression, panic and OCD – a potential plus for the anxious, depressed fertility patient!

2.  Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone that is secreted by the pineal gland.  It regulates our sleep/wake cycle as well as other hormones, in particular the hormones of the female reproductive cycle.  New studies like the one above suggest that melatonin supplementation at a level of 3 mg per day may help to improve egg quality when taken with MI for several months prior to IVF.

There are caveats to the use of melatonin.  Side-effects may include exacerbation of depression symptoms and patients who struggle with depression should make sure to  discuss this side-effect with their physician.  Melatonin should not be used with patients using thyroid medication as it can impact thyroid hormone levels.  It can also suppress ovulation at high doses so in general we only recommend this supplement for women who will be using ART and a trigger shot to stimulate ovulation and/or retrieval.

Finally, melatonin should NOT be taken while pregnant or nursing.  In general we do not recommend melatonin use for longer than 3 months without taking a break.  It can also cause marked drowsiness and is best taken just before bedtime.

3.  DHEA

DHEA (not to be confused with the omega-3 fatty acid DHA) is a hormone that serves as a precursor of steroid hormones testosterone and estrogen.  Research indicates it may also stimulate follicular development.  Several studies have shown supplementation with 75 mg of DHEA daily to improve egg quality and pregnancy outcome in women who were “poor responders” to IVF stimulation medication. Another study suggests that DHEA supplementation may reduce the risk of aneupoloidy.

DHEA should be used with caution as it is a pretty powerful hormone and when used at high levels and over a long term it may damage the liver.  Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take DHEA, nor should women with PCOS as this could exacerbate the condition.  Like melatonin, we recommend a three month treatment period.

4.  CoQ10

CoQ10 is a naturally occurring fat-soluble nutrient that is essential for energy production. CoQ10 has potent antioxidant properties and cell membrane stabilizing effects that make it beneficial for egg and sperm quality, specifically sperm motility. CoQ10 works within the mitochondria (the cellular power stations) in the cells and is essential for energy production. Until recently, CoQ10 was not thought to be a nutrient that required supplementation, as all normal tissue manufactures its own CoQ10; however, this production decreases naturally with age and is also lowered by certain drugs, including statins. When CoQ10 levels in the cells are low, energy production may be reduced and oxidative stress increased as a result.

CoQ10 has been shown to improve sperm quality and is now under investigation for potential use with women of advanced reproductive age undergoing ART to improve egg/embryo quality. The oocyte has among the highest concentrations of mitochondria of all body cells and uses immense amounts of energy in the process of maturation and ovulation. Researchers hypothesize that supporting the oocyte with CoQ10 may improve egg quality (Bentov et al. 2010).

The recommended dosage for overall health is 100-300 mg/day, or as directed by a nutritionist. The dosage under investigation in studies looking at egg quality is higher: 600 mg/day. CoQ10 appears to be a safe supplement: Studies have used supplementation of CoQ10 up to levels of 3,000 mg per day without adverse side effects. At present, the only risk to taking CoQ is the cost, as this supplement can be pricy, and no data currently exists on its usage in high doses during pregnancy.

5.  Omega-3 Fatty Acid (EPA/DHA)

There is still no direct clinical evidence that omega-3 fatty acids improve egg quality but we are convinced they are a good bet and include them in our Egg Quality Protocol.  Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) forms the backbone of many of the chemicals that halt inflammation in our body and also serves to support the health of our cell membranes.  Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (not to be confused with DHEA above) is important for brain health and adequate stores of DHA are thought to be beneficial for the early cognitive development of the fetus.  DHA may also be helpful for depression.   Look for purity-tested products.

This is exciting news indeed but you should always speak with your physician  before beginning a supplementation regimen of any kind. Of course, we would also be remiss if we didn’t mention that providing your body with the highest quality diet is also important for fertility.  If you are specifically seeking to improve your egg quality you should also consider re-thinking your diet to limit inflammation, achieve good blood sugar control and get ample antioxidant nutrients from food sources. Our nutritionists at Pulling Down the Moon are specialists and will tailor their recommendations to your fertility diagnosis.

For more information about any of the supplements or info in this blog, please feel free to contact me at beth@pullingdownthemoon.com.  These supplements and other fertility-related products are available at our online store.

by Anna Pyne LAc FABORM

One aspect of medical theory in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) includes the system of the five elements; wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. They can be used to differentiate TCM physiology, pathology, and treatment plan.  Each element corresponds to a specific emotion and an individual TCM organ.  The Earth element is affiliated with the worry or rumination emotion.  When our minds are busy over-thinking it hinders us from being grounded and impairs harmony between the mind-body connection.  The earth element is also associated with the spleen (not the same as Western medical spleen), which has to do in part with the digestive system.  A person with a poor digestive system usually cannot think clearly, hence the importance of a well functioning spleen.   When the spleen is working properly it means the earth element is being sufficiently nourished so that the mind can remain grounded.   This enables us to reduce stress, keep life in perspective when it gets tough, and can help maintain optimal physical health.

At Pulling Down the Moon we have numerous treatment modalities to ensure that the earth element comes into and stays in balance.  The therapies offered are acupuncture, herbal therapy, yoga, meditation, diaphragmatic breathing exercises, reiki, massage, and nutrition all of which can be used either individually or in combination.  If you have any questions regarding the earth element according to TCM, feel free to contact me via email (anna@pullingdownthemoon.com) or make an appointment for acupuncture/herbal therapy by calling the office.

Cathleen McCauley L.M.T.

By Cathleen McCauley, LMT

At Pulling Down the Moon, we often advise clients on ways to clear the body of toxicity. Detoxification helps eliminate harmful substances in your body, boosts your body’s systems to function properly and optimally, and enhances your body’s ability to handle the toxins of every day life.

Pulling Down the Moon’s Cleanse the Body massage session is one way to assist you in detoxification. The session incorporates lymph drainage massage to stimulate the lymphatic system, purify the body and build immunity. It helps prepare your body before attempting pregnancy or beginning fertility treatments. And in between treatments or after a miscarriage, lymph massage helps to clear your body of old medications and hormones.

The Lymphatic System

I like to describe the lymphatic system as your body’s garbage collector and filtration system. A network of organs, nodes, ducts, and vessels, the lymphatic system produces a substance called lymph and transports it from tissues to the bloodstream. As lymph circulates the body, it absorbs fluid, waste products, dead cells, bacteria, viruses, fats, and proteins and promotes the production of immune cells. Working closely with the circulatory system, it delivers nutrients, oxygen and hormones to the body’s tissue.

When a client experiences poor health or stress, eats a poor diet, takes medications or is surrounded by chemicals, pollution or free radicals, the lymph system may become overtaxed, sluggish or stagnant. As toxic buildup occurs in your body, it may become difficult for your body to balance hormones, build immunity and create energy.

Lymphatic Drainage Technique

Unlike the circulatory system, which uses the heart to pump blood through the arteries and veins, the lymph system does not have a central pump. It does, however, have minor contractile ability with a “pulse” of one to 30 beats per minute.  Muscle contraction─ through movement like exercise—and diaphragmatic or belly breathing are the key methods for pushing lymph through the body; light massage techniques also acts as a pump to stimulate the lymphatic system.

During the Cleanse the Body massage session, a series of light, repetitive movements are used to encourage lymph fluid to flow through the system. The technique kick-starts the removal of waste and toxicity and delivers nutritive substances and hormones to your body. By promoting lymph flow to the nodes, filtration and purification occurs enhancing liver function, building the immune system and increasing fluid movement to and from organs and tissues.

The Client Experience

Often, clients say they feel very little happening when they receive a lymphatic drainage, especially those clients who typically receive deep massage treatments.  But shortly after the session begins, clients are lulled into a deep state of relaxation by the light and rhythmic nature of the work.

Each client’s response to lymphatic drainage differs depending on the body’s individual toxicity levels. Some clients feel a deep sense of relaxation; others experience a burst of energy; and a handful of clients may experience fatigue or mild flu-like symptoms. These are normal responses that may last up to two days. Drinking extra water can help to eliminate toxins and flush the system.

For more information about the Cleanse the Body massage session or the benefits of lymph drainage, please contact me at cathleen@pullingdownthemoon.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

References

Osborn, K. (2005). Lymph Massage, Armoring the Immune System. Retrieved May 30, 2011 from http://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/index.php/article_id/937/Lymph-Massage

Rattray, F; Ludwig, L. (2000). Clinical Massage Therapy: Understanding, Assessing and Treating Over 70 Conditions. Toronto, Talus Incorporated.

Shier, D.; Butler, J; Lewis R. (2007). Hole’s Human Anatomy and Physiology, 11th Ed. New York, McGraw-Hill.

West, Z. (2011). Massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage. Retrieved May 30, 2011 from http://www.zitawest.com/area.php?section=14&item=88

My husband and I started trying to conceive right away after our July 2009 wedding due to my severe case of uterine fibroids. We jumped right into fertility treatments after an initial surgery to remove the fibroids. It has now been almost two years. I have undergone two more surgeries and we have had 4 failed IVF cycles. Upon the recommendation of our Reproductive Endocrinologist, Dr. Angie Beltsos, of Fertility Centers of Illinois(FCI), we decided to pursue gestational surrogacy as a way to bring our biological child into our family.

This was not a decision that we took lightly. I still remember the time period between our third and fourth IVF cycle when we started to look into surrogacy in case it became our “plan B”. We met with an Infertility Consultant named Mindy Berkson, of Lotus Blossom Consulting. I will never forget that day. As we rode down the elevator from her office, my husband said that there was no way we could ever afford this. I remember crying the entire drive home. I knew it would be an expensive process. It can range between $60,000-$100,000, but I wanted and needed to find a way to make it work. Throughout the course of our fourth and final IVF cycle, my husband and I grew closer than ever and talked a lot about “plan B” We came to the agreement that we would figure out a way to pay for the surrogacy process.

When our final IVF cycle was not successful, I immediately began researching financial assistance for family building. In all of my Internet searching, I found that there are some varying options for couples without insurance or those that choose adoption, but nothing for couples that choose to build their family through surrogacy. I did, however; come across an event called Birdies for Babies that FCI had sponsored the previous year. Birdies for Babies is an annual golf outing that was started by Todd and Melissa Trader to raise money for a couple that has to pay out-of-pocket for fertility treatments. I immediately contacted the Traders to find out if this event might be able to help us raise money for the surrogacy process.

One thing that I have come to learn throughout this journey is that the infertility community is very inclusive and supportive to all. The Traders were no exception. After several emails back and forth sharing our fertility journeys, we realized that we did not qualify for the annual outing. However, the Traders said that they would be happy to help us plan our own golf outing. Since both of them are in the golf business, they would be able to guide us and give us the tools necessary to plan a successful event. And so the July Charity Birdies for Babies Golf Outing was born.

The past two months have been occupied by sending out fliers, sponsorship letters and donation requests. My husband and I have been truly overwhelmed by the amount of support and positive feedback we have received thus far. So many people (family, friends and complete strangers) have stepped up to the plate to help us gain support and spread the word. Throughout the course of our fundraising efforts, I have made some wonderful new connections with the doctors at FCI. Dr. Beltsos has been supportive from the moment she found out that we were going to have our own golf outing. She is helping us with the planning and promoting of our event. Another doctor at FCI, Eve Feinberg, who I have recently gotten to know is running a half marathon in June and has offered to dedicate her run to us and use her race to fundraise for our cause. You can visit her fundraising site at http://evefeinberg.chipin.com/katie-and-greg-obrien.

It is amazing to see the support that those around you are able to give when they are called upon. It truly will take a village to bring our child into the world.

by Beth Heller, MS RYT

The first time I experienced Shiva Nata, or the Dance of Shiva (DOS), was in 2002 when Andrey Lappa, a visiting yoga master from the Ukraine, introduced this practice to the Chicago yoga scene.  At the time I thought it was very interesting and exotic, but with Andrey leaving town there was not much opportunity to study the system so I never continued with practice.

Flash forward to 2011.   Out of the blue, our friend Neil Keleher sent a message from Taiwan where he practices and teaches DOS to ask whether Tami and I had considered sharing the Dance of Shiva with our students at Pulling Down the Moon.  Neil had studied Shiva Nata extensively with Andre in Chicago back in the day, and had continued to work with it in his personal practice these many years.  Neil was finding that this practice repeatedly helped his students move past stuck points into more positive life situations that aligned with their heart’s purpose.  In essence, Neil suggested, the Dance of Shiva was helping to “birth” his students’ intentions.  Needless to say  I was intrigued.

Symbolically this practice is spot on for fertility.  In the Hindu pantheon Shiva is one third of the Trimurti, the primary aspects of the divine represented by Brahama (the creator), Vishnu (the sustainer) and Shiva (the Destroyer).  In this tradition, Shiva governs the shedding of old patterns, structures and beliefs to make room for new life-affirming directions.  Much of the deep work we do at the Moon comes through re-evaluating the habits and beliefs our students have brought with them to the point in time in which they are experiencing crisis (infertility).  The techniques we use at Pulling Down the Moon – yoga, Traditional Chinese Medicine, therapeutic massage and nutrition – work to make us aware of patterns of harmony and disharmony in our lives; to consciously choose what we want to keep and what we want to discard.  On a visual level the symbolic connection of Shiva to fertility is even more obvious.  Shiva is often represented as a lingham and his partner Shakti is represented as a yoni.  They are often depicted together as a divine representation of procreative energy.

So what is the Dance of Shiva?  Basically it is a set of movement patterns that you learn that becomes a form of moving meditation.  It looks like the love-child of yoga and martial arts and DOS practitioners claim that the practice stimulates insight, creates a sense of mental calm and helps the practitioner enter a state of flow where she is present in each moment as it arises.  Epiphanies that arise from practice break down outmoded structures and lead the way to change, calm and flow help us move in life-affirming directions.

I asked Neil how he felt the DOS could help with fertility and here is his response:

“If a woman is struggling with conscious or unconscious negative thought patterns about her fertility,” says Neil, “Doing the Dance of Shiva may help her become more aware of these thought patterns and move beyond them. ”  This is because the practitioners of DOS believe the initial memorization and practice of the movements creates new neural pathways.

Furthermore, the Dance of Shiva is very grounding and returns a woman to her body.  The practice may also have a profound physical benefit as well.

“The concentration required to do the DOS requires you to focus on feeling your body and this focus forces you to be truly present and in your body,” Neil continues.  ”Another benefit for fertility is that the DOS helps you practice knowing what you want to do (intention) and helps you arrange things so you can do it.”

Over the past few weeks I have begun a DOS practice in earnest and, surprisingly, have found these spiraling movements to be meditative and interesting.  I have even experienced a few powerful epiphanies.  Placebo effect?  Perhaps.  But I think not.  The DOS is mathematical, which I am NOT, so I find that my brain is both challenged and energized by new neural connections.  The movements haunt me during the day and I find myself imagining and visualizing these spirals as I wait in line at the grocery store or drive my car.  In my experience this means this practice is penetrating on an energetic level and having an effect on my physical and energetic body.

Regarding fertility, my hunch is that this IS a very powerful practice for helping us reach our goal of creating family so stay tuned over the coming weeks for more updates, video and further commentary.

If you need more now, visit Neil’s website and blog at http://thedanceofshiva.com.