Did you know that are you should have pain free periods with no side effects such as PMS? We all have been conditioned to believe that period symptoms are normal. 

Well they are not. 

A Normal Period is…

It starts and ends without any of the following: 

• No pain 
• No brown blood (Blood should be a bright color from start to finish, brown blood indicts old blood)  
• No cramping
• No bloating 
• No breast pain/discomfort
• No emotional shifts 
• No headaches 

Your monthly cycle shows you the state of your health. If you have some or all of the above symptoms, your body is sending you a message. You either have a structural blockage or misalignment, hormonal imbalance, or a vitamin, mineral, and/or nutrient deficiency. All things that can be fix with the proper care and time. 

I personally have suffered from extremely painful periods (pain level above a 10) from the age 14 to my mid twenties. I was able to heal the extreme pain with acupuncture and diet. Currently, I manage my period and I’m mostly pain-free using the 4 prevention tips below. When I do find myself with a slightly painful period (2 to 3 pain level), I have usually been slacking on my self care. And it is a reminder to get back to taking care of my reproductive health. 

Is your uterus in alignment? Your uterus is held up by muscles and ligaments. Then can become weaken or loosen due to various reasons: trauma, surgery, emotions, pregnancy, state of your health or age. Your uterus can fall forward, downward, backwards or be off to one side. A misaligned uterus will have a lack of proper energy, blood and lymphatic flow. Thus, it will affect your period, your fertility and your overall health. Book a session with a Mayan Abdominal Therapist who can help you get your uterus back into place. 

2. Avoid COLD

Extremely Limit:  cold foods, cold drinks, sitting on cold surfaces or walking on cold floors. When cold enters your body it creates congestion, this leads to stagnation of blood and energy and results in pain. Cold contracts muscles and prevents blood and your body’s warm to permeate the area. Think of a frozen pipe or water hose in both situations the expansion of the ice don’t allow water to flow, and over time it can cause serious problems. The same is happening in your body, cold stays in your body and disturbs your natural flow. This will cause menstrual pain, hence why heat feels so good.  

Use tampons? You may want reconsider that choice. Tampons can increase your menstrual cramps. You want your period to flow, out of your body. Tampons inhibit your natural outward flow of your menstrual blood. It causes blood to get backed up and stagnate. This contributes to your discomfort and/or pain. Also tampons dry out your vagina of the self lubricating and self cleaning fluids that are needed to keep you balance and free of infections. A majority of tampons are filled with toxins, that are getting directly absorbed in your bloodstream. And they leave mirco fibers (toxic) behind in your vagina. Overall, even organic tampons are not recommended. Especially if you suffer from menstrual cramps, it is so important to allow your menstrual blood to flow freely. 

Next blog post will be about safe menstrual pads…

When there is a stagnation of qi it can lead to a blood congestion. Cramping with blood clots?  This means you have blood stagnation. Blood congestion can also be the result of IUDs, surgeries, or birth control pills.

Things you can do to get your liver qi moving: 

Exercise– moving your body will get your lymphatic system circulating, and helps to release your emotions. Great for mental clarity and overall health. 

Diet– especially a week before your period. Eat less to no sugar, no processed foods, drink more water. Include more cruciferous veggies into your diet, leafy greens, and clean meats- no chemicals or added hormones. 

Stick your tongue out in a mirror? Is it a pale red or light pink? If so, you may be anemic or have what we call blood deficient. You will want to include more iron rich foods in your diet. And if you can stomach it, eat some grass fed liver. 

Limit caffeine and alcohol. You can also include teas such as milk thistle to support the liver. 

Everyone woman has an individual story about their period journey. And it changes as we do. You may want to consider seeing a natural healthcare provider to help you look into other factors that could be affecting your menstrual pain like your thyroid  and digestive health that could need supplementation. 

A great to jump start your lifestyle change is to do a 10 day cleanse. Get in the habit of eating healthy, and cut out foods that are not contributing to your wellbeing. 

Want to do a cleanse? Email me hello@pelviswellnessmethod.com and we can set up your free consultation. 

There is also vaginal steaming for preventative care…Check out more information on that here. 

For more specific information on how I can help you with your period send me your information HERE. 

And if you are not local to Los Angeles, no worries. We can work via online. Connect with me HERE. 

Big Love on your Healing Journey!

xo Carine

Are you a bit queasy about acupuncture needles? Unfortunately, even the word needles deters people from getting acupuncture sessions. Let me share that you can experience a gentle acupuncture session without needles.

No matter how much I reassure people that it doesn’t hurt, there is resistance. I had total needle phobia until I started getting regular acupuncture sessions. So no judgement, I get it. And not all acupuncturists are the same with their needle technique and healing approach.

However, I am a gentle needler. Since I also abhor pain, and inflicting it on others.

My words are not enough for most. Since we all have a bit of  “I’ll believe it when I see it” understandable attitude and in this case it would be “feel it”.

But have no fear. I have some solutions for you. There are other amazing ways to get the benefits of acupuncture WITHOUT the use of any needles.

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5 GENTLE WAYS 

1. CUPPING

Cupping is one of the oldest aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Cups are placed on the skin, usually along the back, sacrum and hip area (though you could cup most places in the body). A vacuum is created with either a pump used with plastic cups, or with fire and glass cups. The heat from the flame, removes the oxygen in the glass cup causing the skin to be sucked into it.

When the skin is drawn into the cup, it opens up the skin’s pores. This is important for stimulating blood flow, balancing and moving qi (energy), breaking up nodules and obstructions, pulling cold out of the body and allowing toxins to leave.

Cups could also be be place on oiled skin and moved. Moving cups along meridian lines have all the benefits listed above and feels great.

Cupping can be used for sore and painful muscles, respiratory and immunity imbalances, as well as overall wellness. It reduces pain and promotes relaxation.

The use of moxa will move stuck energy and increase circulation. It reduces pain and  provides more comfort. Especially important in your pelvic cavity. Often stagnation of energy in the pelvic area can refer pain to the neck, shoulders or down your legs.

Cold- moxa brings heat into your body. Cold contracts, holds, and limits circulation causing pain and discomfort. Moxa smoothes the cold with its penetrating heat and herbal oils.

Moxa is a powerful ally on various acupuncture points and meridians for physical pain, urinary dysfunctions (incontinence), digestive imbalances (bloating/gas), gynecological issues (moxa works miracles on menstrual cramps) and is great for pregnancy. Moxa is a wonderful option for pregnant moms who are suffering from back pain. It also good for babies, bringing more blood and circulation to the placenta.

There are multiple health benefits from moxa, and much like cupping it is also reduces pain and promotes a warm cozy sense of relaxation.

3. GUA SHA 

Gua Sha is other aspect as of TCM. Gua Sha means “scaping sha-bruises”. The skin is scaped to produce light bruising. Blood is being brought to the surface of the skin. This allows for movement of stagnant blood or blockages. Gua Sha also promotes more healing by allowing more oxygen to circulate in the area.

Gua sha boosts your immune system and reduces inflammation. A great option when you feel like you are getting sick. Gua sha can help your body release the toxins faster.

Used for physical pain (neck, shoulders, back, etc), migraines /headaches, or cold/flus/fever, and allergies.

Gua Sha is yet another way to get blood and energy flowing in your body.

4. MASSAGE 

Massage has many forms, manually applying pressure to various parts of the body to relieve pain and ease tension. In TCM Tui Na is the manipulative therapy used to promote movement in the body. It has always been a part of the medicine.

I use massage to help move the lymphatic system and promote movement of blood and qi. Acupressure along with various manual manipulations will get blood and energy moving.

Of course essential oils are used in a variety of ways, and have an array of therapeutic values.  Aroma Acupoint Therapy sessions are different as the oils applied have similar properties as the acupuncture points. And it is using the acupuncture meridian energy system to promote the movement of energy.

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Acupuncture is an energy medicine, it is about creating balance in the body and moving qi (energy) to promote more flow. The beauty of all these gentle methods is they utilize the acupuncture meridians, and can all be combined or used separately. All can also be mixed with acupuncture needles. Sessions are a mixture of what is best needed for the client.

There is also nutrition, supplements, herbal medicine and more. Acupuncture is one part of TCM, a holistic medicine that incorporates different approaches to healing a person’s mind, body and spirit.

If you have doubts about needles, you can still benefit from acupuncture sessions. And you should. Get that energy moving. It is important to keep your body healthy and thriving!

Email me with any questions or concerns: info@carinecamara.com.

Book your needle free appointment today.

Collectively the holiday season creates a lot of havoc, especially for those of us that live in cities. For many the holidays are anxiety producing. Between work, family obligations, financial stress, gift giving, traveling, and busy schedules this time of the year feels intense and crazy.

For those of you who are sensitive to energies and the people around you. Like myself. The holiday season can be exhausting, and filled with anguish.

I used to dread the holiday season, I’m a recovering scrooge. Mostly because it is so anxiety producing, and the pop Christmas music that starts playing in every store right after Halloween. I’m still peeved about the latter. However, I have learned how to keep my center, by self care, eating healthy and being grateful for all the gifts I have in my life. Now I can appreciate the joy of the holidays which are also a beautiful time to spend with people you love, share food and laugh.

1. Self Care– this is the season of giving. And give to yourself. Take the time to gift yourself a massage, an acupuncture session, energy work, spa treatment or any other healing modality. Move the stress and anxiety out of your body. I personally make sure I keep on top of this with regular acupuncture and bodywork sessions, because this is also the season for illness. Due to stress and diet, people get sick during the holiday season. It is so important to keep your immune system strong, and your stress levels down. Acupuncture sessions also help you stay balanced and focus during this time.

2. Meditate- breathe and stay grounded in your body. If you a person that meditates great. Do more. If you are someone that has a hard time meditating- find a guided one. Youtube has thousands of guided meditations.

Here is a simple 5 or so minute meditation you can use: Breathing is key to to building a strong relationship with your body. Close your eyes. Take 5 deep breaths. Inhale for 5 counts into your belly, exhale for 5 counts.

Now notice any place in your body where you are having any sensations. It could be tension, tightness, pain, dull ache or tingling. Breathe into that space. Have the intention of calming and relaxing the area. You can continue relaxing various parts of your body. And just breathe and be.

In a situation that is stressful- remove yourself and breathe. Like at your family gathering.  Bathrooms are really good places to find some privacy to get centered.

I just started meditating this year. I had a hard time for many years. Since my mind is always on hyper mode. Guided meditations with visualizations helped me begin the process. As an empath, I used to have a hard time differentiating what I was feeling. Since I started meditating on a regular basis over the last year, it’s so much easier monitoring my thoughts and emotions. So when I am in situations where I am triggered, I can always go within. I like to think of meditation as cultivating a relationship with yourself.

3. Food– Enjoy the food of the holidays. There are dinner and work parties, so much celebration happening. Just monitor you sugar intake. Sugar lowers your immune system, adversing affects your digestion and cognitive functions. Read more on my post on sugar and the flu season. Eat as much whole, natural organic foods as possible. And drink lots of water.

4. Alcohol – is a depressant. And for those who are inclined towards depression and or anxiety. Drinking copious amounts of alcohol will intensify your emotional state. Limit your consumption of alcohol, and drink moderately.

5. Give back– being of service to others is always a beautiful way to shift your emotional state. Volunteer and share your time with others. It will help you see a different perspective of your life.

6. Gratitude– We all have so much to be grateful for. Give thanks for all the gifts and the love you have in your life. It is helpful to write it all out. Set 5  minutes on a timer and write all the things you grateful for. You’ll have quite a lot.

I am grateful to have a great apartment in Los Angles. Beautiful friends. I’m forever and always grateful that I love what I do.

During this month of frenzy remember do take some time for yourself. Give to yourself. Love Yourself.

If you are looking to book an acupuncture session to get you balanced during this holiday season. You can book ONLINE, or email me at hello@pelviswellnessmethod.com.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

With Love,
Carine

According to Chinese Medicine the summer is associated with the heart. Love in all of its expressions joy, compassion, forgiveness, happiness, trust, pleasure, acceptance, pure intelligence, gratitude, laughter and abundance.  All the feelings we all seek and appreciate in our lives. The summer is also associated with the fire element, an expansive energy. During these summer months is is important to be surrounded by loved ones, and do the things that make you happy. Enjoy life!

It’s the time of LOVE. A wonderful season to heal past betrayals, sexual traumas, broken hearts and all other forms of heart pain. Get some esoteric acupuncture heart opening treatments to help you receive the abundance of energy that is available during the summer months. These treatments can be gateways for you to initiate your spiritual healing through chakra balancing and sacred geometry. Sessions can align you with your higher self, and reconnect you with your heart.

It is also a time to open your heart to your fears. The opposite of the summer is winter, which is the season of the kidneys. They are associated with fear, the other end to the polarity of love.

Right now during these summer months your heart energy is thriving. Nature can be a powerful ally, use it to benefit you. It can be quite scary opening up your heart to your fears. And there is no better time then the present.

What I have learn about fear: is the things that you are afraid of, are areas in your life where you thrive. Which is why the fear is placed there, a self imposed block. Once you become conscious of your fears, and start to place your intentions on healing. You will realized that your fear is no longer needed.

Trauma can cause fear. And for a time that fear is needed to protect you, but over time it can become a block that cripples your life. And the remedy is love. Fear can’t live where love lives. And it starts with you, loving the crap out of your fears. And once you overcome them, you realize that your fears are one of your many gifts you can offer the world.

And I write this from my own personal experience of living in fear. As a child I had dreams of falling off a boat and drowning. Year after year I had the same dream. I loved and feared the water, at 8 years old during day camp I did almost drowned in a lake. This led to anxiety anytime I had to be in a body of water that my feet didn’t touch the bottom. It took me years to get in a body of water. At 20 I was able to swim in shallow water, and was able to swim in the ocean for the first time. Each year that passed I told myself I would get over my fears and learn how to swim. It wasn’t until December of 2016 that I dragged myself to a pool and joined a master’s swim team.

During the winter months, I literally drove into my fear of water. My fear of survival. And my fear of death. By the spring time, I was no longer afraid of water. I actually LOVE it, and I am a great swimmer.

Overcoming this fear has tickled into other aspects of my life. Now, when I’m afraid of something, I go right into it. And when I come out the other side I’m totally in love with it.

And the summer is the perfect time to overcome some of your fears, you can use to energy of love that is all around you to support you.

Book your heart opening session today.

And or email me your questions at info@carinecamara.com or call me at 925 310 5317.

With lots of Love,

Carine

Acupuncture gets rids of headaches. And in most cases instantaneous on the table!

Did you know that where your pain is located indicates a different organ system in Chinese Medicine?

Headaches in your forehead are Stomach and Large Intestine. These headaches are usually dietary related: skipping meals, eating in a rush or poor nutrition, lack of hydration, and emotions: worry and stress.

Headaches located behind the eyes and/or side of your head (temples) are often referred to tension headaches. These are stress, frustration and anger headaches. The location, and emotions, as well as decision-making are associated with the Gall Bladder. These are the headaches that often present themselves at work, especially when working long hours and are faced with deadlines.

Headaches that are located on the top of the head are liver and/or kidney. These are the ones that feel like your whole head is heavy, painful, and achy. You just want to shut your eyes, and go to bed. These headaches are more often due to lifestyle, stress and anxiety.

Headaches that start at the back of neck the occipital region is tai yang (urinary bladder). This channel is the first one to get attacked at the beginning of cold and/or flu symptoms. The back of your head and your neck get stiff when you are getting sick.

When people get headaches, most reach for pain meds. This approach does not get to the core of the problem, Acupuncture sessions can help treat the root of your headaches.

I had headaches almost everyday for years. A dull ache that was so constant, I didn’t realize how troublesome it was until it was gone. It varied from dull ache, tension headaches to a full blown migraines. Acupuncture sessions were able to provide me that relief.

• Reduces your stress, by releasing serotonin. Your feel good chemical.
• Moves energy,  opens up blocked channels and promotes movement.
• Calms the nervous system.

Acupuncture has been the best thing I have found for my headaches, and there are no side effects.

If you or anyone you know suffer from headaches, please email me at info@carinecamara.com.

I love getting compliments on my skin. It makes me so proud. Because I know how long it has taken me to have clear skin- over 20 years. Yes. I am 36. And my skin started breaking out when I was 14. I tried thousands of dollars worth of products to treat my skin. And nothing worked. Until I changed my diet.

I learned:

Our skin is our biggest organ of our body. It detoxes everything we put in it and on it. If the foods you are eating are creating inflammation, your body will use your skin as an outlet. Creating rashes, hives, eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

When I changed my diet when I was 20.  I first started with cutting out sugar and processed foods. Then over the years I shifted my diet away from the inflammatory foods. For me that is gluten, dairy and spicy foods. Now I know changing your diet can seem challenging at first.

Focus on the results- clear skin, healthier body, more energy.  You look good hence you feel good.

Common inflammatory foods/ drinks are: caffeine, alcohol, sugar, peanuts, nightshades- tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and eggplant, as well as eggs, soy.

You may not have reaction to all of the mentioned foods. To figure that out which ones, you would need to do an elimination diet. And you want more information on that. Please leave a comment below and I’ll be in contact.

Foods you can include in your diet are ones that have high in antioxidants.

• Wild blueberries.- all berries. strawberries, blackberries, raspberries
• Pineapples
• Oats
• Spinach
• Ginger
• Turmeric
• Beets

These are all high in antioxidants. But guess what all plant based foods- fruits, vegetables, beans, grains, nuts, seeds are filled with them.

Externally, you should avoid products that contain any chemicals or toxins. Move towards products that are natural- and you can read every ingredient. The less ingredients the better.

My products now are very simple and are all plant-based. Everything I put on my skin is edible. It would taste gross, but it can be eaten.

Simplicity is key.

As a plant based person aka vegan, the one number question I get asked is: Where do you get your protein?

98% of people are getting more than enough protein in their diets. Even the vegans and vegetarians are fulfilling the daily requirement of 42 grams of protein daily for women and 56 grams for men. There is plenty of protein in vegetables, grains, nuts and beans. However, whatever your diet is it is important to create a balanced one.

The real question should be: Are you getting a variety of foods in your diet? In our developed nation it is nearly impossible to become protein deficient. We run into problems in not consuming enough nutrients from a lack of  variety in our diet.

Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein, there are twenty. Nine of which are essential and are needed to maintain a healthy body. They have to come from our food. And you can get all the essential amino acids from plant based sources.

Each amino acid has a specific purpose. For example Leucine is best for stimulating muscle strength and growth. If you are an active person, you should consume more cashews, almonds, hemp seeds, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds.

Most of us have been conditioned to believe that veggie proteins are limited. They are not. Plant based protein sources are vast and abundant.

Have questions on how to incorporate more plant based foods in your diet? Or about your health?

Schedule your 15 min free consultation or email me at info@carinecamara.com.

Big Love,

Carine

Download the full list of the essential amino acids and their best plant based food sources

Winter, the time of the kidneys. Words that describe this time of year are contraction, receptive, introspective, rest, hibernate, and darkness.

In Chinese Medicine, this time of year is associated with the Kidney energy system. Quite different from Western Medicine. The Kidneys are our enery center including the sexual organs and reproductive functions.

This is the best time of year to consume foods to support your kidneys. They are the root of life- they govern birth, growth and development. If you kidneys are weak, they cannot support your digestive organs, and if your digestive organs are weak they cannot support your kidneys. Thus, it’s vital to have both organ systems functioning at their optimal.

Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day. It’s a great time to nourish your kidneys.

Porridge is one of the best foundations to build your breakfast. It is warm, and easy to digest.

Most people think of oatmeal. Though it may only be a good option for some. Since oats are very moistening to the lungs, they are good if you are suffering from dry lungs, chronic cough or a sore throat. If not, oats tend to be damp forming especially if you consume a lot of meat and dairy.

In Chinese Medicine this type of porridge is called, congee. The best grains to use are white rice, barley, brown rice, or quinoa.

You cook 1 cup of white rice (or another grain) with 5-8 cups of water. In many recipes you can add Chinese herbs as well as various types of food. Mine recipes are with fruit, nuts, seeds, and herbs. If time is an issue, you can throw the rice in a rice cooker or crock pot and have it cook overnight. And your breakfast will be waiting for you in the morning. For my congee recipes enter your info below to download.

Want more information on how you can support your kidneys email me at: info@carinecamara.com or write in the comments below. 

Big Love and Hugs,

Carine

Download your congee recipes

Initial stages of a cold, Build your Jing, and Strengthen your Digestion.

Ingesting sugar lowers your immune system. In 1973 a Loma Linda University study showed that eating 100 grams of sugar results in your white blood cells losing 40% of their ability to fight bacterias or virus. This affect lasts 5 hours.

100 grams feels a bit abstract. Right?

Here is some perspective:

• Pies 18- 20 grams
• Wines can start at 1 gram to Cocktails 24 grams (like mojitos)
• Chocolate Cake with frosting- 55 grams
• Bag of Skittles- 47 grams

According to Sugar Science the average American eats about 82 grams of sugar a day (www.sugarscience.org). And with the holidays you can see how that would be easy blow past 100 grams.

Eating less sugar does not guarantee that you wouldn’t ever get sick, however, it does lower your chances significantly.

I’m not saying don’t enjoy the holidays and all their sweet treats. Just be conscious about it, perhaps avoid eating large amounts of sugar at the workplace. Most of my clients express getting sick from either their co-workers or their children.

It is nearly impossible to avoid sick people during the flu season. However, I have never caught the flu from anyone and I am a health care provider I am around sick people all the time!

My secret: I don’t eat processed sugar. As you have already guessed. I also ingest large amount of antioxidants in the form of plant based whole foods.

And my favorite thing is Black Elderberry Syrup (with no sugar added). I like the brand Herb-Pharm Alcohol-free tincture to boost up my immune system. Other reason why I love it so much is that it’s sweet. I am a recovering sugar addict. So I find healthy ways to include sweet things in my diet. And this is a two for one deal.

Stay healthy!

Much Love,

Carine

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