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.

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.

Since glass is easier to make and maintain, they became the standard for cupping during the 20th Century. Flash-fire cupping technique is used with alcohol and fire to depressurize the cups to create the suction of the skin.

Modern day cupping also includes plastic cups with valves to allow a pump to be used to create the suction.

2.  How does cupping work?

Where there is stagnation, there is a breeding ground for disease and pain.

Cupping much like acupuncture helps to remove the blockages and opens your channels. The suction breaks the congestion, and allows more circulation of energy, blood and lymphatic fluids into the area.  It also allows toxins and inflammation to come up to the surface of the skin to be released.

3. Cupping treats more than muscle pain 

Though cupping is great for releasing tension and soreness in muscles.

Cupping can also be used for:

• Respiratory Disorders
• Headaches
• Arthritic Pain
• Hypertension
• Common Cold
• Painful Menstrual Cycle
• Poisonous snake/insert bites
• Indigestion
• Asthma
• Coughing

The benefits of cupping are vast but the majors ones are relaxation, pain relief and calming your nervous system.

Wonder how you can benefit from cupping?

Call 925 310 5317 or email me at info@carinecamara.com.

Wanna learn more TCM techniques to alleviate pain?

Sign up & and get a Free PDF. 

I often get asked questions about acupuncture. Here is a short Q&As video. The first question: “How does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture has been in practice for thousands of years. The basis of the medicine is to balance the body so it can begin to heal itself. Acupuncture affects every system in the body, circulatory, endocrine, immune and nervous.

When acupuncture points are activated, signals are sent to the central nervous system and the brain. That information is processed and the body does its thing. The insertion of acupuncture needles creates a micro trauma, this action brings blood, vital nutrients with anti-inflammatory properties to the area.

As an acupuncturist, I am guiding your body towards healing itself. Our bodies are highly intelligent, they know what they need to heal. If you are feeling out of whack and your health is suffering, acupuncture is a great option. Acupuncture sessions can help guide your body back to a state of balance and healing.

“Your health accumulates over time. Take Care of your Body and it will Take Care of you.”

Much Love,

Carine

Are you in Chronic Pain? Do you find yourself surviving on pain medications? Have you tried various therapies? Have you tried acupuncture? If you haven’t, you should strongly consider it, and here are 5 reasons why:

1. Acupuncture promotes the movement of blood.

   Our blood is our life force, it contains everything that our body needs to heal- oxygen, nutrients we absorb from food, immune substances, hormones, pain-killers and anti-inflammatories. Our blood flow decreases with age, and can be negativity affected by injuries, diseases or trauma. Ensuring proper blood flow is vital to promoting and maintaining health. Acupuncture has shown to increase circulation and vasodilation in certain areas.

2. Acupuncture releases your body’s natural pain-killers.

   When acupuncture needles are placed in the body, a signal is sent through the nervous system to the brain to release pain-killing chemicals-endorphins.

3. Acupuncture stimulates our body’s natural healing mechanisms.

   When a needle is inserted in the body, it creates a “micro-trauma”. This creates a systemic immune response. Your body starts to heal by activating your nervous, endocrine and immune systems. After the needles are removed, the “micro- lesions” continue to stimulate the body until it heals. The healing process can last anywhere from 1-3 days after your session.

4. Acupuncture relaxes shorten muscles.

   The insertion of acupuncture needles releases pressure in the muscles, and joint structures promoting more blood flow.

5. Acupuncture reduces stress and relaxes your body.

   Acupuncture stimulates the release of oxytocin- a hormone that regulates the parasympathetic nervous system.

When you receive acupuncture for chronic pain here are some of the side effects of treatments:

• deeper sleep
• more energy
• a fortified immune system
• a stronger digestive system

Looking for a reprieve from your pain, consider acupuncture.

Have questions about your specific health concerns, please email me at info@carinecamara.com.

Suffer from constant headaches! I completely understand and empathize. I often get anything from a dull ache, tension headaches to full-blown migraines. I am a headache expert and want to share with you how acupuncture has helped me relieve my headaches.

Here are 5 ways Acupuncture helps your headache:

1. Reduces physical pain. By releasing oxyoctin, a chemical responsible for helping your body manage pain, and heal wounds and injuries. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Releases tension in your muscles. Acupuncture brings more blood and movement into your joints and muscles.
3. Reduces your stress, by releasing serotonin. Our feel good chemical.
4. Promotes movement of energy, and it opens up blocked channels in your body.
5. Calms your central nervous system. Allowing you to relax.