By Dr. Jessica Caruso, Prenatal & Family Chiropractor and Reiki Practitioner

Colic is a disorder in which an infant has episodes of uncontrollable crying. It occurs in about 10-20% of infants less than 4 months of age. Colic is not only detrimental to the infant’s health but can create a tremendous amount of stress on the entire family unit.

The exact cause of colic is not known, but has been linked to gas in the intestine, dietary issues and birth trauma.

Research has shown that chiropractic care can help. A randomized clinical trial by Wiberg, et al. has concluded: “Spinal manipulation is effective in relieving infantile colic.” The research team enrolled infants diagnosed with infantile colic into two groups. For 2 weeks half the infants received chiropractic spinal manipulations (adjustments) , while the other half received the drug dimethicone.  At day five of the trial the group receiving spinal manipulations did significantly better than the group on the drug. Over the course of the entire trial, the infants receiving chiropractic care had a 67% reduction in crying noted, compared to only 38% reduction in the infants on dimethicone. (1)

There is a growing body of research that supports the efficacy of chiropractic care for children with colic.  In a prospective study of 316 children satisfactory improvement was noted within 2 weeks in 94% of the infantile colic cases being treated by a chiropractor. 51% of the infants in this study had previously unsuccessful results using drug therapy. (1, 2)

Chiropractic is not designed to treat disease, but rather to remove spinal nerve stress from the body. Spinal nerve stress (AKA subluxation) is misalignment of the spinal column, cranium, hips and related structures that interferes with the proper function of the nervous system. The nervous system controls the function of the entire body. Therefore, subluxations can weaken internal organs,  organ systems and the immune system as well. (3)

Subluxation can be caused by physical, chemical and/or emotional stress. Physical stress may begin with the baby’s positioning in utero. It may also present during a difficult or traumatic birth which can cause stress to the baby’s skull, spinal column or pelvic structures. (3)

The chiropractic adjustment is designed to remove nerve interference, allowing the immune system to function more efficiently, increase resistance to disease and improve the overall functioning of the body.  Even though parents may bring their children to the chiropractor with a symptom and/or a disease, the chiropractor does not treating the symptom but rather frees the body of nerve interference. This allows  the body to access its innate ability to heal from within and function optimally. (3)

1. http://icpa4kids.org/Wellness-Research/colic-and-chiropractic.html
2. http://www.atypon-link.com/MCY/doi/abs/10.5555/pmfh.2009.2009.2.1a
3. http://www.hpakids.org/holistic-health/articles/32/1/Chriopractic-and-Children/print/32

By Emily A. Pendergast, L.Ac, MAOM

In China, the first few weeks after childbirth are called “chan ru.” Chan means childbirth, and Ru means mattress. In traditional Chinese culture, women were prescribed bed rest for one month after childbirth. Female relatives would take care of both the new mother and the baby, allowing the new mother to restore her strength and energy. Specific herbal prescriptions were given to help shrink the uterus, stop bleeding, encourage lactation, and return vitality. In today’s fast-paced society, few new mothers have the luxury of resting for a month after childbirth. Most women need to return to taking care of family or work before their bodies have had a chance to fully recover from the birth experience. This can lead to further health issues down the road, and is why acupuncture during the postpartum period is so important. ^[1]

Introduction

It is now recognized that 80% of women experience sadness, anger, or other mood and personality changes following childbirth, known as postpartum depression. This alone can cause increased guilt, worry, and anxiety in women, as they feel they are not “cut out” to be a good mother. Many women are unaware how common these feelings and symptoms can be, or that there is support for them. Acupuncture offers drug-free treatment to women and has the ability to address symptoms specific to each individual woman. Natural treatment is especially crucial for those women wanting to breast feed, as previous treatment for postpartum depression has been through medication. Acupuncture can also be used to help the spouse manage emotional symptoms that they too may be experiencing at this time.

Acupuncture for Postpartum Support

Acupuncture is extremely beneficial in addressing emotional symptoms, whether these symptoms are a result of hormonal changes, concerns or fears that come with being a new mom, lack of support, or other causes; acupuncture can help. Treatment can also help the body naturally regain hormonal balance as well as vital energy that may be lost or changed through the process of childbirth. Nutrition is also an important factor that women should be advised on in order to help prevent, or to help treat postpartum depression. Specific dietary changes can help maintain mood swings, increase energy and vitality, and aid in hormonal balance. Nutritional advice is commonly an integral part of acupuncture treatment.

Studies have shown that women experiencing postpartum depression had significantly higher response rates when receiving acupuncture (69%) over other modalities of non-pharmaceutical treatment (32%).^[2] The acupuncture control group had an intermediate response of (47%).  It is also suggested that acupuncture may help in preventing the onset of postpartum depression.^[3]

Below is list of specific symptoms that acupuncture can address regarding postpartum depression, as well as other accompanying symptoms following childbirth.

Emotional support^[4]:

Overall hormonal balance

Sadness

Anger/irritability

Impatience

Worry

Anxiety

Pensiveness/Over thinking

Stress relief

Fatigue

Insomnia/dream-disturbed sleep

Frequent mood changes

Chest restriction/heart palpitations

Other Postpartum Symptoms

Low back pain

Perineal pain

Headaches

Abdominal pain

Lochial Retention

Lack of Appetite

Mastitis

Lactation support

Conclusion

While a large majority of the female population experience symptoms of postpartum depression to some extent, it is critical that women know they are not alone, and that there is help and support for available for them. The first step is helping women recognize the symptoms, so they know when to seek support.  The next step is providing the support. Acupuncture is one modality that is effective and natural in treating, preventing, and supporting women through postpartum depression.

To Book an appointment with Emily please call (207)451-0769 or book online at http://www.healinghandsnh.com/acupuncture_book.html. Affordable Express Clinic appointments available too.

Sources Cited

Betts, Debra (2006). The Essential Guide to Acupuncture in Pregnancy & Childbirth. The Journal of Chinese Medicine, Ltd. East Sussex, England, p203.

Ignatovsky, Cindi, L.Ac. Postpartum Treatment. http://www.acupunctureatlanta.net/preg.php#postp

Manber R, Schnyer RN, Allen JJ, Rush AJ, Blasey CM. 2004. Acupuncture: a promising treatment for depression during pregnancy. J Affect Disord 83:89-95.

³ Nonacs, Ruta MD PhD. Acupuncture for Depression During Pregnancy. http://www.womensmentalhealth.org/posts/acupuncture-for-depression-during-pregnancy/. Published Feb. 15, 2005.

^[2] Manber R, Schnyer RN, Allen JJ, Rush AJ, Blasey CM. 2004. Acupuncture: a promising treatment for depression during pregnancy. J Affect Disord 83:89-95.

^[3] Nonacs, Ruta MD PhD. Acupuncture for Depression During Pregnancy. http://www.womensmentalhealth.org/posts/acupuncture-for-depression-during-pregnancy/. Feb. 15, 2005.

^[4] Betts, Debra (2006). The Essential Guide to Acupuncture in Pregnancy & Childbirth. The Journal of Chinese Medicine, Ltd. East Sussex, England, p203.

by Shalon Da~Nai Spaulding, LMT
Massage Therapy is beneficial to everyone, especially the expectant mother.  Pregnancy is a time of great change for a woman.  From the continuous changes in her body to the overall transition as she journeys toward motherhood, there is much to process.  It is a time of great joy and excitement, but with that can also come physical discomfort and mental or emotional stress.

Prenatal massage is customized to alleviate the physical discomforts of pregnancy and prepare the body for birth. During pregnancy the center of gravity shifts as the baby grows.  This causes changes in posture, starting at the pelvis and affecting  the neck and shoulders.  Muscular tension and inflammation are common side affects of this shift.  The body produces the hormone relaxin to help joint mobility.  Relaxin causes all ligaments in the body to soften, stretch and weaken.  As a result, women may develop carpal tunnel syndrome, pelvic pain, and/or other joint pains.

Pregnancy affects nearly all systems of the body. Sinus congestion and constipation are often an issue. Breathing and digestion are affected as the baby grows, compressing and displacing organs within the mother’s body.  Skeletal position also changes. As the baby grows, it lifts and widens the rib cage up to 3 inches.  The pelvis also widens to prepare for birth.  All of these changes may affect each mother uniquely, and massage can help ease the ensuing discomforts.

Stress during pregnancy is common, as it is a major life change.  Many practitioners believe that everything the mother feels, the baby also feels.  Stress affects hormone levels within both mother and child, and this can affect fetal development.  The best thing an expectant mom can do for her baby is to stay relaxed and promote feelings of love and well being within herself.
Studies have shown that women who received pregnancy massage not only experienced lower levels of stress hormones and fewer common discomforts, but also had fewer complications during labor and fewer premature births than those who did not receive massage.*
*Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, 20, 31-38

Benefits of Prenatal Massage:
~Reduces stress levels
~Eases back and pelvic pain caused by changes in posture
~Reduces swelling of feet and ankles
~Improves skin elasticity, reducing stretch marks
~Improves sleep
~Improves digestion

~Reduces sinus congestion
~Relaxes and soothes baby

The effects of pregnancy do not end after the baby has been delivered.  The body takes time to shift back to its original alignment.  Trigger points that developed may still cause pain, stiffness and weakness in the muscles.  The body continues to create the hormone relaxin for up 4 months postpartum, and this perpetuates the excessive flexibility and weakness in joints. It can be hard for a new mother to focus on anything but her new child, but it is important to realize that time spent caring for herself enables her to care for her baby in the best way possible.

Benefits of Postpartum Massage:
~Brings the body back to pre-pregnancy alignment
~Helps with tension and muscle pain of the neck, shoulders & low back
~Aids in returning the uterus to normal size
~Soothes digestive trouble
~Energizes and helps to eliminate fatigue
~Balances hormones & sleep cycle
~Decreases stress and the effects of depression

Shalon Da~Nai Spaulding is a NH Licensed Massage Therapist.  She is Certified in Pregnancy Massage and Postpartum Massage.  Shalon also offers labor support techniques and Infant Massage classes.

All practitioners at Healing Hands Chiropractic specialize in prenatal and postpartum care, including chiropractic, acupuncture, reiki, and yoga. We also offer workshops in pregnancy, childbirth, and wellness.

By Dr. Denise Ingrando

Before I was pregnant my view of vaccines was quite lackadaisical. As a child, my parents immunized me and I succumbed to the medical theory, because I did not know otherwise. I figured it was par for the course to get immunized, expect to feel feverish and sick for a while and then get over everything and be immune! However, the minute I held my child and watched him develop and grow, my entire view of the world changed.

I questioned everything! Were vaccines really safe and the responses to them “normal”? What about an alternative approach to immunity? How could I protect him? I spent hours upon hours using my research skills acquired in graduate school to dig up any research I could find on the topic; both pro- and anti-vaccine. Personally, I found that the risks of vaccinating outweighed the benefits. As a graduate student at Palmer Chiropractic College in Florida, I attended many lectures regarding the Germ Theory- of the body’s ability to heal itself and that GERMS DON’T KILL; but rather it’s the body’s inability to respond to these germs properly due to nervous system interference that can cause symptoms and illness.

I absolutely believe in the body’s ability to heal itself and feel that injecting a potentially deadly or neurotoxic substance into the body unnecessary. In fact, research performed by a medical doctor at the New York Medical Institute concluded that people under regular chiropractic wellness care have immune systems that are 200-400% stronger than those not under regular chiropractic wellness care(1)!

Think about it- if the nervous system regulates immune system function, and  nervous system interference is removed  by way of the chiropractic adjustment, then the immune system is getting the message from the brain at 100% function and is able to perform optimally. This increase in immune system function is extremely important, especially knowing that the body may bring in the virus through  several lines of defense- the skin, the mucosa of the nasal passages, the acidity in the stomach as well as the beneficial microorganisms that line the intestines, mouth and upper respiratory tract. No matter how the body is exposed to an infection the immune system will be able to take care of the body if it is given the chance to be optimally functioning.

In children, the immune system is not mature until about the age of seven years old (2). This is why natural immunity stemming from the mother’s body passed on to the baby in utero via the placenta is key to immune system function as is any added immunity given through breast milk (2,3). This passive immunity, is wonderful but unfortunately short lived. Active immunity, on the other hand, is long lasting and is acquired through exposure of the various microorganisms we encounter day to day (2,3). Whether or not you develop symptoms of a particular organism depends on your body’s ability to handle what it has been exposed to.

Family Wellness Chiropractors like those at Healing Hands Chiropractic specialize in educating patients on the various lifestyle choices that may cause nervous system interference and work with each individual and family to eliminate those causes by giving advice regarding proper posture, good nutrition and stress management to name just a few.

Deciding to vaccinate is such a personal decision, but whatever your choice may be, why not give you and your family the chance to have your bodies working optimally and fighting off infection more efficiently through chiropractic care?

To learn more about how chiropractic can boost your family’s immune system, as well as additional information on vaccines, alternative solutions and/or immunization schedules please feel free to book an appointment with our doctors. Scheduling an appointment can be done by calling the office at 603-434-3456 or conveniently online.

Healing Hands Chiropractic- A Family Wellness Center also offers massage therapy, reiki therapy, acupuncture and Chinese herbs, yoga & meditation classes and pregnancy & birth classes. All of our practitioners are more than happy to help you and your family in exploring the many options to achieving health and wellness!

(2)http://www.whatreallyworks.co.uk/start/kidszone.asp?article_ID=559

(3)http://www.answers.com/topic/immune-system-development

(1)http://www.caryleadsgroup.com/article/Chiropractic_and_the_Immune_System#fn3 (and articles that follow)

Korr IM: “Andrew Taylor Still memorial lecture: Research and Practice a century later.” J Am Osteopathy Assoc 1974 73:362.

Murray DR, Irwin M, Reardon CA, et al. “Sympathetic and immune interactions during dynamic exercise. Mediation via a beta 2 adrenergic-dependent mechanism.” Circulation 1992 86(1): 203

Pero R. “Medical Researcher Excited By CBSRF Project Results.” The Chiropractic Journal, August 1989; 32.

Brennan P, Graham M, Triano J, Hondras M. “Enhanced phagocytic cell respiratory bursts induced by spinal manipulation: Potential Role of Substance P.” J Manip Physiolog Ther 1991; (14)7:399-400.

Selano JL, Hightower BC, Pfleger B, Feeley-Collins K, Grostic JD. “The Effects of Specific Upper Cervical Adjustments on the CD4 Counts of HIV Positive Patients.” The Chiro Research Journal; 3(1); 1994.

Felton DL, Felton SY, Belonged DL, et al. “Noradrenergic sympathetic neural interactions with the immune system: structure and function.” Immunol Rev. 1987 Dec;100:225-60.

Related articles: The Winsor Autopsies; The Story of Masha & Dasha

Congratulations on your pregnancy!  What’s that?  You’re too nauseated to celebrate?  Unfortunately, this is the reality for many women in their first trimester (and sometimes in the second and third as well).  Nausea, dry heaves, vomiting and heartburn can all eclipse the joy of knowing you’ll soon be a mother.  Luckily, there are tried and true ways to combat “morning sickness” (in quotes here because it isn’t just confined to the morning):

• Try to eat frequent, small meals.  For some women, keeping their stomachs full will considerably reduce nausea, even though it seems counterintuitive to eat while you’re feeling queasy.
• Ginger is a wonderful, readily-available herbal remedy that’s been prescribed for thousands of years by Chinese physicians.  Put a raw slice of ginger under your tongue, chew on a piece of crystallized ginger, drink ginger tea or take ginger capsules frequently throughout the day.
• Trust your cravings!  Avoid the foods/smells that seem to make your stomach lurch and eat the foods you are craving, sometimes those foods will stave off nausea for a few hours.
• Acupuncture can be very helpful for reducing the nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy.  Pericardium 6, an acupuncture point located about two inches above your wrist crease, on the inside of your forearm, between the two big tendons there is well known for treating any kind of nausea and vomiting.  Some pharmacies sell wrist bands that apply pressure to this point and can be worn all day long.

Still sick after following these suggestions?  Get some help!  Your acupuncturist has other Chinese herbal remedies that may help you, the ND can offer homeopathy and other supplements, your chiropractor can make any necessary adjustments, etc.  Of course if you are seriously ill and cannot keep even water down, you may become dehydrated, so it’s important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

Remember that this too will pass and the rewards of parenthood will far outweigh the discomforts of pregnancy.  Hang in there mamas-to-be!

To make an appointment for acupuncture with Christina Wolf, Lic Ac, click here.

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Reiki is a very ancient form of healing which originated in Tibet and was re-discovered and further developed by a Japanese monk named Dr. Mikao Usui. It is a natural hands-on method of energy balancing for the purpose of stress reduction and relaxation.

Reiki therapy can be used for many conditions and situations. It is especially useful in helping infertility because it is safe and gentle. It helps you reach a deep state of relaxation where you become receptive to receiving healing, thus allowing physiological and emotional changes to take place within your body.

There is a variety of health benefits associated with
Reiki treatments. Some of these benefits include:

• reduced levels of stress
• increased
  energy levels
• improved immune system health
• reduced muscle pain
• reduced levels of anxiety and depression
• improved methods of detoxification

Because
Reiki healing works to improve your overall physical and mental health, it can in turn improve your chances of
getting pregnant by promoting overall reproductive health by minimizing conditions and illnesses that can contribute to infertility. Reiki therapy
can help to maintain good reproductive health that is beneficial for both men and women. Also, because stress is often linked to fertility problems, Reiki therapy can be beneficial in cases in which stress is contributing to problems
getting pregnant.

In addition to promoting good preconception health,
Reiki treatments can also help promote good prenatal health. A recent study found that
Reiki healing sessions reduced stress during pregnancy by 94% while nausea and morning sickness were reduced by 80% after
Reiki treatment sessions. In addition, the study found that quality of sleep is improved by 86% when
Reiki treatment is conducted during pregnancy.

Reiki healing can also help to minimize labor pains as well as to provide relief to muscles and reduce other discomforts linked to the birthing process.

To learn more about the benefits of Reiki please visit http://www.healinghandsnh.com/reiki.html

To book a Reiki session with Dr. Jessica Caruso please call 603-434-3456 or email info@healinghandsnh.com.

Discount packages for Reiki treatments are available upon request.

References:

http://www.thechakragarden.com/articles/Reiki%20for%20Fertility%20&%20Pregnancy%20article.htm

http://www.gettingpregnant.co.uk/natural_fertility/reiki_therapy.html

http://iarp.org/articles/Enhancing_Fertility_with_Reiki_and_Mind-Body_Techniques.htm

http://www.natural-health-for-fertility.com/reiki-therapy.html

Now that school is back in session- sports have begun. In the last couple of weeks I have had several children ranging in age from 3-16 years old with some subjective complaint related to an injury sustained from such sports as  tee ball, football, tumbling, gymnastics, basketball and hockey.

I recently read a very informative article by Claudia Arnig, D.C. called Sports-Related Injuries in Children: What Parents Need to Know. In this article Dr. Arnig gave some very interesting numbers that I believe all parents should know. It is estimated that 3.5 million children under the age of 14 receive some form of medical treatment for sports injuries each year.  Also, the Institute for Preventative Sports Medicine estimates that each year close to 212 million school days are missed by students who have sustained a musculoskeletal injury vastly attributed to sports-related incidents.

The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that nearly 300, 000 children and adolescents suffer from sports-related concussions each year. Concussion symptoms range from memory loss, chronic headaches, difficulty with concentrations to depression. These symptoms can manifest for months, even years following a severe concussion. Some parents even reported abrupt personality changes following a serious sports-related head injury.

Repetitive stress injuries to children’s developing spine and extremities can also develop in children who play sports that require the child to move one arm or leg repetitively over long periods of time like baseball, golf, and tennis for example. If their sport leans toward asymmetrical movements, children should be taught how to properly warm up and cool down through symmetrical activities to balance the body and minimize repetitive strain injuries.

Childen should also be taught the concept of pain and its importance as a warning signal from the body that something is wrong and needs to be checked out. Taking pain medication or OTC pain relievers will simply mask the problem and act as a band aid instead of getting to the root cause of the problem.

Children benefit greatly from regular spinal and extremity check-ups with their chiropractor. Rather than waiting for an injury to occur, chiropractic care can help children practice practical prevention strategies and develop better overall stability.

At Healing Hands Chiropractic we have also found that not only do our child patients benefit greatly from regular chiropractic care; but have found our Kids’ Yoga Classes to be incredibly beneficial in introducing body awareness and core stability.

ref: Dynamic Chiropractic, August 26, 2009

Infant Massage Class

For parents & caregivers

By Shalon Da~Nai, LMT

Massaging your baby can be of great benefit to their health and development. Many new babies are

coming home with digestive sensitivities causing gas or acid reflux. Some are prescribed Prilosec and

take it daily through their infancy and into the toddler years. Massage is a tool that empowers parents

to help their child through these painful issues. Performing infant massage on a daily basis will help to

alleviate these symptoms without the side affects involved with meds.

Benefits of Infant Massage

~improves circulation

~enhances sleep

~soothes digestion

~reduces stress

~assists development of the nervous system

~secures a stronger bond between parent and child

Not only does massage sooth and comfort your child, it creates an intimate space to really connect and

bond with them. You will become more aware of the subtle cues your baby uses to communicate, such

as sounds, facial expressions and body language. This makes you able to identify their needs easier

and reduces frustration for both of you.

Infant massage is wonderful for fathers to learn as well. A Mother already has the bond of carrying the

baby and the further bonding of breastfeeding. Regular touch allows fathers the time to form those

physical bonds and a deeper connection to their child.

Healing Hands offers small, intimate classes in a comfortable setting. This is a 2 hour, hands on class

for expecting parents or parents with infants 3 weeks to crawling. Other caregivers are also welcome.

For Class you will need to bring…

~Your baby, or a doll

~2 Body towels

~extra Diapers

~toys

Schedule & Rates

$60 per child/couple

Saturday August 22nd 1pm-3pm

Saturday October 3rd 1pm-3pm

Please call the office at (603) 434-3456 to register.

Jenny Everett King, Body-Mind Wellness Program Director at Healing Hands Chiropractic- A Family Wellness Center in Londonderry, NH, announces Lotus Blossom Yoga for young women ages 12-16. Healing Hands Chiropractic is a holistic family wellness center offering chiropractic care, massage therapy, reiki therapy, yoga, and childbirth education classes; focusing on prenatal care, family wellness, women’s health, and pediatrics.

Healing Hands Chiropractic is pleased to announce the addition of a new yoga class exclusively for adolescent women to their schedule, beginning September 2009. The practice of yoga, especially during the teenage years, can boost self-esteem and body image, enhance confidence, and promote healthy lifestyle choices.

Healing Hands Chiropractic’s Body-Mind Wellness Program includes classes for women at all life stages. Prenatal yoga classes incorporate a traditional series of beginner and intermediate yoga poses, tailored to the specific needs of pregnant women. Well-Woman Yoga classes are designed for women of all ages, and address common concerns including anxiety and depression, PMS, peri-menopause, auto-immune disorders, and thyroid function.

To register for an upcoming class, or to receive additional information, please contact Jenny Everett King at jenny@HealingHandsNH.com, or call (603) 434-3456.

Healing Hands Chiropractic is located at Landmark Crossing, 25 Nashua Rd., Ste F2 (RT 102), Londonderry, NH 03053.