by Jenny Everett King, Childbirth Educator and Certified Yoga Teacher

1. Independent Childbirth Educators work for you. We are not obligated to support anyone’s procedures, or to ensure that our material agrees with hospital policy. That means you get unbiased, research-based information, not someone else’s agenda.

2. We’re specialists. Independent Childbirth Educators specialize in birth, not medicine. Hospital classes are often taught by medical professionals with secondary training in birth education.

3. You get the tour anyway. Many people choose to take classes at the hospital where they plan to deliver, because the class includes a tour of the maternity ward. However, most hospitals offer these tours apart from a childbirth series as well.

4. We trust your body. The fact that you are pregnant is excellent evidence that your body works, and works well. You deserve to get your information from sources who recognize this simple fact.

5. We have a wide demographic of students. You won’t just get the perspective of parents who have chosen the same care provider, hospital, or birth method that you have. You will have the opportunity to hear about other choices and get information on options you may not have considered. Fellow expectant parents are a great resource!

6. We recognize birth as a whole-person experience. We discuss the emotional and spiritual aspects of pregnancy and childbirth, not just the physical process.

7. We understand natural medicine. We can give you unbiased, well-researched information that you may not get from a mainstream source, including facts about vaccines, attachment parenting, and natural solutions for common pregnancy and birth concerns. (Healing Hands Chiropractic Family Wellness Center has practitioners on-site who treat sciatica, heartburn, breech presentation, and post-dates pregnancy, among other things.)

8. We support conventional medicine when it’s used appropriately. We’ll tell you honestly about situations where there may be a need for it, and when it’s just part of the protocol. Most importantly, we’ll help you know the difference.

9. We know that birth is an experience you help create and not something that just happens. Independent Childbirth Educators give you the tools to make the decisions that are right for your birth, your family, and your baby. We don’t teach you our way, we help you determine your way.

10. We LIKE birth! Independent Childbirth Educators know that giving birth can truly be enjoyable. We didn’t get into this field for the paycheck; we got here because we recognize (and have often experienced) the inherent power, mystery, and beauty of giving birth. Birth is not some arduous, joyless trial to overcome, but a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for ecstasy and empowerment. Wouldn’t you prefer to learn about birth from someone who will teach you how you can enjoy it?

by Jenny Everett King, CYT

Prenatal & Postpartum Yoga Teacher / Pregnancy & Childbirth Educator

It’s a quiet Monday morning, and I’ve returned from a weekend professional workshop absolutely determined to reestablish a consistent yoga practice. After feeding the kids breakfast, I  turn on the least guilt-inducing children’s programming I can find, vacuum the worst of the dog hair out of my practice space, unroll my mat, and promise myself that the next hour is my own time.

Five sun salutations into my practice, my 2-year-old wanders in and announces, in one simple word (which may or may not be in the dictionary), that he needs his diaper changed.

While changing him, I do my best to stay tuned into to my breathing and my body. But really, who takes a full, cleansing, energizing inhalation while handling a dirty diaper? It’s just a bad combination.

Before children, I was the perfect yogini. No, not really. But I had a consistent one-and-a-half to two-hour meditation, asana and pranayama practice five or six days a week, and a dedicated yoga room in the house. Then my morning practice gave way to morning sickness, and the yoga room became the office so that the office could become the baby’s room. While I continued to teach and attend classes, my own personal practice disintegrated.

To my surprise, the event that brought me back to the heart of yoga was the culmination of the factors that had distracted me in the first place: giving birth. At no other time in my life have I felt so completely present, so in tune with my body, so inherently certain of a higher power, as I have in the moments of giving birth to my children. But a regular asana and pranayama practice? I’m still searching for that.

Traditionally, children and household responsibilities have been considered incompatible with the ascetic lifestyle of a yogi – and for good reason. Hours of asana and meditation simply do not mesh with the demands of responsible early parenting. However, I believe that this necessary adaptation is the perfect illustration of what yoga is really about.

Yoga is not about hours of poses and breath work. It is not about sitting to meditate uninterrupted. Are these tools useful and important? Absolutely. But they are just that: tools. Asana, pranayama, and meditation are a means to an end, not an end in themselves. The end goal is absolute presence, mindfulness, complete awareness. Yoga offers everyone the tools to adapt to and cope with stress, adversity, and disappointment. It helps us to keep perspective, to remain conscious of the “big picture” in the midst of daily distractions. The ability to maintain perspective is valuable to every person on the planet, especially parents of young children.

After changing the diaper, I return to my mat. No sooner have I come into Paripurna Navasana than both kids enter. My four-year-old begins playing on the floor next to me, while my two-year-old climbs into my lap. After several admonitions that “Mommy needs some time for herself,” accompanied by creatively incorporating a 25-pound child into several seated asanas, they return to the TV. Eventually, the background music for my Savasana is not devotional chanting but the theme song to Caillou™.

In Mama & Baby Yoga later that day, I found myself explaining to a new student, “Don’t expect to practice all the poses in a single class.” Invariably, at least one mom is sitting on the floor nursing, or changing a diaper. Babies simply take priority over asana. Class does not end with a traditional Savasana (total relaxation), but rather a guided breathing time to promote relaxation and mindfulness.

As a parent and as a yoga teacher, I am not entirely convinced that mothers are meant to “let go completely,” the instruction so commonly heard at the end of yoga class. Mothers of young children, particularly breastfeeding moms, are not wired physically nor emotionally for complete detachment. Understanding and accepting this deviation from traditional yoga guidance is fundamental to offering women a yoga practice relevant to their lives.

All yoga classes at Healing Hands Chiropractic are designed to help you make yoga a part of your everyday life, not just a series of poses you do once or twice a week. Our personalized approach is rooted in our commitment to help you start yoga from where you are (and not from some place you think you “should” be). This applies to women at all stages of life, from pregnancy through menopause and beyond.

*

In honor of Mother’s Day, Healing Hands Chiropractic is offering a special discount on yoga class packages during the month of May: Buy one package, get the second at 50% off. This is a great opportunity to share your love of yoga with a mother, sister, or friend. Call 603-434-3456 for details, or stop by the front desk after your next class.

Please join us Saturday, May 22^nd, from 12 to 3 pm, as we honor women of all ages at our Women’s Day of Wellness. This enriching afternoon will include complimentary chair massage, reiki, yoga, and refreshments. We will be accepting donations to benefit Elliot Hospital’s Postpartum Depression Taskforce.

by Dr. Jessica Caruso – Prenatal and Family Chiropractor

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder resulting from the brain’s inability to integrate everyday sensory information received from the five senses: touch, vision, sound, smell, and taste.(1)

The five senses mentioned above are commonly known. However, there are 2 other senses, rarely known but extremely important: vestibular and proprioceptive systems.
The vestibular system is physiologically located in the cerebellum (base of brain), upper cervical spine (top of neck) and inner ear. The vestibular system is responsible for regulating all incoming sensory information and is considered the most important sensory system. The proprioceptive system is located throughout the spine and joints of the body. Disruption of this system may lead to problems with learning, motor skills, behavior, and social / emotional development. (1)

It is estimated that 1 in 20 children suffers from SPD. Children with SPD are often misdiagnosed as having ADD, ADHD, or other neurodevelopmental disorders. This misdiagnosis may be due to the fact that SPD often co-exists with ADD, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, OCD, anxiety disorder, traumatic brain injury, and learning disabilities. These children are usually misunderstood and labeled as aggressive, clumsy, inattentive, or difficult. (1)

Some signs your child may have SPD:

Touch: they may avoid or crave touch, get irritated by certain clothing (ex: tags, sock seams) and food textures (1)
Smell: may be susceptible to allergies, may need to excessively smell toys, items, people (1)
Taste: “picky eaters”, exhibit pica (eating non-edible items like chalk, crayons, dirt, etc.) (1)
Vision: difficulty going down stairs, poor hand-eye coordination, eye discomfort when required to perform visual work like reading, frequent headaches and stomach upset after school, may need to read out loud to keep place (1)
Auditory: may be upset with loud or unexpected noises, hum and sing to screen out unwanted noises, bothered by clock ticking, refrigerator humming, air conditioner on, cover ears a lot, speak loudly (1)
Proprioception: may need physical contact with another person, may exhibit hysteria over washing hair, pulling shirts over head, difficulty falling asleep, sleep walking, and are clumsy (1)

Chiropractic care is an essential treatment for these children. Properly functioning vestibular and proprioceptive sensory systems are key components in developing and maintaining a healthy sensory processing system. Because these two sensory systems are largely located in the spine, it is extremely important to remove any spinal misalignments with a chiropractic adjustment that may be causing nerve interference.

Family wellness chiropractors are also well versed in proper nutrition. It is important to avoid certain foods and add certain foods into the diet for treatment of SPD. Refined sugar, food preservatives, and food colorings should be avoided. Omega-3 fatty acids found in cold water fish (wild caught) such as salmon, tuna, and trout, and dark green leafy vegetables and flaxseed oil are considered good “brain food.” Dairy-free and gluten-free diets may also be helpful for these children (1). Keeping a food journal and reviewing it with your family chiropractor is advised.

Exercising your child’s brain is highly recommended. Today children spend more time in car seats, walkers, and other places that restrict movement and impair neurodevelopment. As children get older they are spending more time in front of a computer, playing video games, or texting, and not enough time running, jumping, skipping, climbing, swinging and crawling. Activities that involve using both sides of the body are necessary for proper development (1).

Other things to consider:

• Drink Water: Water comprises more of the brain than any other organ of the body. Having children drink water before and during class can help “grease the wheel.” Drinking water is very important before stressful situations like taking tests (2).
• Cross-Crawl Exercises: This exercise helps coordinate right and left brain by exercising the information flow between the two hemispheres. It is useful for spelling, writing, listening, reading and comprehension (2).
• Brain Buttons: This exercise helps improve blood flow to the brain to “switch on” the entire brain before a lesson begins. The increased blood flow helps improve concentration skills required for reading and writing (2).
• Hook Ups: This works well for nerves before a test or special event like making a speech. These help calm the mind and improve concentration (2).
• Listening to classical music such as Mozart may help improve the IQ (2).
• Using Colored Pens: Using colored pens helps the right brain remember patterns (2).

Finding a chiropractor familiar with Paul E. Dennison, Ph.D. and Gail E. Dennison’s work is recommended.

To find a family wellness chiropractor near you visit www.icpa4kids.com

References:

(1) Pathways to Family Wellness, Issue 19; What is Sensory Processing Disorder?, Monika Buerger, D.C.

(2) Brain Gym® Exercises, About.com, Kenneth Beare

With the spring season upon us, I hear many parents comment on the increase in asthma symptoms their children experience. Whether the increased is caused by the abundance of outdoor physical activity, or the new growth of seasonal plants and grasses, asthma sufferers often dread this time of year. Fortunately, chiropractic can help. Recent research demonstrates the beneficial effects that spinal adjustments have on the immune and endocrine system, and chiropractic treatment is a great way to naturally help manage bronchial distress. Several case studies and one trial study have indicated that with regular chiropractic care patients saw an increase in their ability to breathe during physical activity and had less need for inhalers and other asthma medications (2). One study mentioned the participant, “Could run during soccer games” and “almost never used his inhaler.” He also “slept more soundly” and “hardly ever had bouts with mucous clogged nasal passages” (2,3). A second study showed a 34-month-old boy with asthma who had not responded to medical care and had more than 20 emergency hospital visits in a 12-month period received three chiropractic adjustments administered over an 11-day period and the asthma symptoms ceased for more than eight weeks (4). A third case told a similar story of a three-year-old girl who began experiencing asthma symptoms after having a chronic history of colds and flu. She was taken to the emergency room on several occasions and eventually hospitalized over a 3-day period for her asthma. She used medication several times daily which included a nebulizer as well as a third medication for symptom onset. After her fifth chiropractic adjustment her severe asthma ceased and she has been adjusted regularly there after for maintenance with no further episodes (5).

As these cases demonstrate, chiropractic can play a vital role in managing and preventing asthma effectively. Why is chiropractic so successful? According to one trial study, six weeks of direct chiropractic treatment not only reduced salivary cortisol levels over a 14-week trial period, it also “decreased the erratic nature of IgA levels” (1). Both cortisol and IgA (immunoglobulin A) are substances in the body that affect its response to inflammation and fighting off infection. The study attributed these positive results to the body’s improved overall ability to function, which in turn allowed patients to better “ward off potential pathogenic invasion (or the like)…” (1). Because the spine surrounds and protects the nervous system, while the nervous system in turn affects every vital system and organ in one’s body (including the immune system and lung function), chiropractic adjustments are a gentle, yet powerful way of naturally aiding the body in self healing. If you are (or your child is) frustrated by asthma symptoms that prevent you from being as active as you like, make an appointment with one of our family chiropractors at Healing Hands Chiropractic for a consult and treatment.

1. Effect of Chiropractic Treatments on the Endocrine and Immune System in Asthmatic Patients: Proceedings of the 2002 International Conference on Spinal Manipulation, Toronto Ontario, Canada, Oct 2002: 57-8

2. Garde R. Chiropractic Pediatrics. Vol 1 No.3 Dec, 1994. Asthma and Chiropractic.

3. http://icpa4kids.org/Chiropractic-Research

4. Bachman TR, Lantz CA Proceedings of the National Conference on Chiropractic and Pediatrics (ICA), 1991: 14-22. Management of Pediatric Asthma and Enuresis with Probable Traumatic Etiology.

5. Asthma and Enuresis (Case Report #1374)  Zell, Paul,  ICPA Newsletter, May-June 1998

By Shalon Da~Nai, LMT

The small choices we make today affect the health of the world we leave to future generations.  Every product we use ends up in the waters and in the earth.  Everything we put on our skin is absorbed into our body, and can affect the health of our entire being.  Therefore, it is important to be conscious of the chemicals to which we may expose ourselves, our children and our planet.

When you receive a massage from Shalon Da~Nai, LMT, at Healing Hands Chiropractic, you can relax knowing that you are not getting any chemicals with your therapy.  Shalon uses Hobacare organic Jojoba oil for all of her sessions. Jojoba is pressed from the seeds of the desert jojoba plant.  Jojoba is nourishing for the skin and hair, non-greasy, non-allergenic and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores).  It is odorless and will not stain clothing.

In addition:

“Of more than 350,000 identified plant species, jojoba is the only one which produces significant quantities of liquid wax esters akin to the natural restorative esters produced by human sebaceous glands.” (http://www.jojobacompany.com/index.htm )

The cotton flannel sheets used during your massage are washed  in unscented, hypoallergenic detergent that is biodegradable and free of petroleum-based surfactants.   To reduce static and add softness, Shalon uses Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Dryer Sheets. These dryer sheets contain a vegetable-derived softening agent and natural essential oils on a biodegradable paper sheet.  Subtle hints of lavender add to the relaxation of your massage session.

Shalon is skilled in a variety of massage techniques for all ages, including Integrative Massage, Mother Massage® for pregnancy and postpartum, Infant Massage, and Hot Stone Massage.

Healing Hands Chiropractic is a full-service, holistic family wellness center located in Londonderry, NH offering chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage therapy, reiki therapy, yoga and meditation classes and pregnancy & birth classes. Our practitioners specialize in prenatal care, pediatrics, women’s health and family wellness.

by Dr. Denise Ingrando – Family Chiropractor

Recent research studies demonstrate there may be a link between gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and other foods) and infertility. According the National Institute of Health, nearly two million people in the United States alone suffer from Celiac disease, the condition that inhibits the body from properly digesting gluten, while an additional 30 million Americans suffer from intolerance to gluten (1). This intolerance has been known to cause stomach distress and an array of other symptoms. Celiac disease, which is considered an autoimmune condition, causes the body to attack the healthy tissues in the digestive tract when exposed to gluten, causing damage and preventing the absorption of nutrients.

So what does this have to do with infertility? A review of literature from a Medline search “reveals that patients with untreated celiac disease sustain a significantly delayed menarche, earlier menopause, and increased prevalence of secondary amenorrhea” (10). All of these can affect normal reproductive cycles by causing changes in hormones as well as ovulation, and limit the length of time fertility can be established. If left untreated, patients with celiac disease can incur higher rates of miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth and low birth weight, since the mother, and therefore the fetus, is unable to absorb the vitamins and minerals needed to support vital growth and development (3,4,6,9).

Women are not the only ones whose fertility may be affected by gluten intolerance. Dr. Shelia Crowe, a medical doctor and a professor in the division of gastroenterology and hepatology at the University of Virginia explains, “For men, problems can include abnormal sperm – such as lower sperm numbers, altered shape, and reduced function. Men with untreated celiac disease may also have lower testosterone levels.” She continues to add, “Of course, for both men and women, how often a couple has intercourse affects fertility. If someone feels lousy from untreated celiac disease, infrequent sexual activity may be contributing to the problem. One study from Italy suggests that sexual relations occurred less often when one partner had active celiac disease compared with couples in which the partner’s celiac disease was being treated” (3,2).

The good news about celiac disease is that patients can be tested and easily treated for it. To get tested your medical doctor will order a blood test called the tissue transglutaminase (TTG or IgA test) to see if your body is producing antibodies to the gluten. To confirm a diagnosis s/he then may decide to order a biopsy. With a biopsy, a small portion of your intestinal tissue is removed and evaluated for celiac-related damage (2,7,8). Treatment includes avoiding and removing foods from the diet that contain gluten. For support, details, and more information, check out www.celiac.com and www.celiaccenter.org.

Although gluten may play a significant role in fertility issues, it is not the only cause. If you are having problems conceiving, suffer repeated miscarriages, or have other reproductive health issues, please consult your medical doctor for evaluation. If you are thinking about becoming pregnant or are having fertility issues, co-treatment with a chiropractor who is trained in gentle techniques for mother and baby may also be beneficial. Chiropractic is a wonderful health care modality that safely and precisely aligns your spine. This allows important messages from your brain to travel down your spinal cord and lets all your organs – including reproductive organs – receive the messages they need to function at 100%. Healing Hands Chiropractic has two chiropractors on staff who are trained in working with pregnant women, as well as an acupuncturist, massage therapist, reiki practitioner, yoga teacher and childbirth educator – all of whom specialize in pregnancy and fertility issues. Please call our office at 603-434-3456 or book an appointment online to see if one of our services can benefit you.

1. http://consensus.nih.gov/2004/2004CeliacDisease118html.htm

2. http://consults.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/21/the-varied-symptoms-of-celiac-disease/?ref=health

3. http://consults.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/03/can-foods-contribute-to-infertility/?partner=rss&emc=rss

4. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2000/08/06/wheat-miscarriage.aspx

5. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2001/01/21/celiac-disease-part-one.aspx

6. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/02/23/can-foods-contribute-to-infertility.aspx

7. www.celiac.com

8. www.celiaccenter.org

9. The Lancet (www.thelancet.com) July 29, 2000;356:399-400

10. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2001;51:3-7

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 Dr. Denise Ingrando, Family Chiropractor

If you’ve shopped lately for baby products like bottles or plastic toys, you’ve probably seen the label “BPA free.” While the advertisement itself is likely enough to pique your interest and perhaps keep you from buying products containing BPA, what exactly is BPA, and why is it important to avoid?

BPA (bisphenol A) is a petrochemical and contaminant found in plastic products such as water bottles, plastic containers and plastic wrap, as well as the lining of canned goods. It has been linked to a long list of serious chronic disorders including cancer, cognitive and behavioral impairments, endocrine system disruption, reproductive and cardiovascular system abnormalities, diabetes, altered immune function, asthma and obesity. It has been found to contribute to disease by mimicking the body’s hormones and causing disruption (3,5,7).

The disturbing part is, this toxic substance can affect your children even before they have the chance to drink from a bottle! According to recent research conducted by the Environmental Working Group, this substance, along with 231 other toxic chemicals, was found in nine out of ten random samples of cord blood taken from American infants (5, 6,7). This means that fetuses are not protected from the toxins their mothers are exposed to. “This can lead to chromosomal errors in the developing fetus, which can cause spontaneous miscarriages and genetic damage. And being exposed to just 0.23 parts per billion of BPA is enough to disrupt the effect of estrogen in a baby’s developing brain” (7). In fact, not only do infants and children have underdeveloped organ systems for detoxifying and excreting chemicals, they also have immature and porous blood-brain barriers, which increases the risk for brain exposure and neuro-developmental disorders (7). Women of childbearing age and those who are pregnant should consider the sources of BPA and diligently avoid them. Although the FDA declared BPA safe in 2008, they now have “some concern about the potential effects of BPA on the brain, behavior and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children” and are becoming more aggressive in “re-evaluating the way they regulate BPA” (1,2,3).

Tips to help you steer clear of BPA include:

• Drink from glass bottles
• Buy fresh or frozen rather then canned food products
• Drink plenty of water to flush toxins from your system
• Receive regular chiropractic care

Regular chiropractic care is an important aspect in helping your body handle the wide variety of chemicals it is exposed to, as it can keep your system functioning optimally in spite of a potentially toxic load. As the nervous system is responsible for regulating endocrine (hormonal) function, as well as the function of every system in your body, chiropractic adjustments that remove nerve interference can help the body to function at 100%. Consider chiropractic care for yourself and your family today, especially if you are pregnant.

[1] “Understanding FDA food packaging regulations,” White-paper by Rohm and Haas,

[2] Kissinger M. “FDA says it’s unable to regulate BPA” (January 17, 2010) Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

[3] “Update on bisphenol A for use in food contact applications: January 2010” U.S. Food and Drug Administration

[4] http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/02/04/fda-shifts-position-now-has-concerns-about-bpa-risks-.aspx

[5]www.mothering.com/toxic-chemicals-found-in-babies (12/09/09)

[6]www.ewg.org/minoritycordblood/fullreport

[7] Dr. Mercola -“232 Toxic Chemicals Found In Babies” (12/31/09) http://articles.mercola.com/sites/current.aspx

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.

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