NH Pregnancy Group Forms for Local Moms-To-Be

http://www.free-press-release.com/news/200903/1236616067.html

Healing Hands Chiropractic– A Family Wellness Center in Londonderry, NH has created a prenatal yoga group where you can meet other local moms-to-be. Discuss and share advice on all topics related to pregnancy.    

These classes incorporate a traditional series of beginner and intermediate asanas, tailored to the specific needs of expectant mothers. The mission of their prenatal yoga classes is to help you find the balance between preparing for the profound experience of birth, while also caring for yourself in the present moment.

Pregnant women may also participate in any traditional asana classes. Yoga instructors at Healing Hands can show you how to modify poses when necessary. If a prenatal yoga class is not convenient for you, you are welcome to join the yoga class that best fits your schedule.

For more information:
25 Nashua Rd., Ste F2, Londonderry, NH 03053 603-434-3456 www.HealingHandsNH.com

The Ecstasy of Birth

Quote: “There’s just no reason to do it any other way.” Said by many a new mother sitting in a hospital bed, following the virtually pain-free birth of her baby, thanks to the wonders of modern medicine. Years ago, when my sister-in-law and I had this conversation, I found myself at a loss. Having just delivered my own daughter without medication or other intervention, I felt conflicted. I disagreed with her logic, but could not seem to come up with an articulable counter argument, and that frustrated me.

Before we go any further, let me be clear: I count women who have chosen  medical birth among my dearest family and friends. I have no wish to offend them or anyone else. And for a minority of mothers, medically-oriented labor and delivery is the best option. But natural-birthing mothers have been silent too long, and it’s time we respond, “Yes, there absolutely is a reason to do it another way.” To more accurate, there are several reasons, and the evidence on the sheer physical benefit of physiologically normal birth is compelling. But let’s forget about the science for a moment and talk about one specific, albeit abstract, reason: Elective childbirth without medication just may be – no, will probably be – one of the greatest sensations of your life.

Is childbirth painful? You bet. It’s probably some of the most extreme discomfort many women will experience in their lives. Childbirth educators like myself often shy away from the word “pain,” because we don’t want to scare anyone. But let’s face it: “Discomfort” does not begin to describe the sensation of transition contractions. Birth hurts.

But that’s only half the story, and if that’s all you’ve heard, you’ve missed the best part. Yes, birth hurts. But birth also heals. Childbirth is not only one of the most physically painful things many women will experience; it is also one of the most physically and emotionally ecstatic.

I’m convinced that many mothers shy away from discussing this aspect of birth for two reasons: 1) It is highly personal, and 2) It is extremely difficult to articulate.

Describing to anyone your feelings at the birth of your child is to let them in on one of the most intimate experiences of your life. It requires a level of intimacy that most of us share with very few people. Even more challenging, the ecstasy of childbirth is nearly impossible to put into words. But its inarticulable nature does not mean it doesn’t exist. By way of contrast, consider some of the more intense experiences of your own life – moments that enveloped you physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And then ask yourself: Could anyone possibly put that experience into words? Poetry might be able to come close, but prose? Could a random, double-blind, controlled scientific study even begin to touch it?

For most people, the answer is no. There are experiences that cannot be put into words. Science may reflect the hormonal surges that lead to the feelings we experience, but science cannot describe the feeling itself. Now ask yourself: How do you normally respond to an experience that is “too good for words”? Doesn’t its inarticulable nature only make you want to try it more?

So here’s my suggestion: If you are expecting a baby and find yourself on the fence about natural childbirth, put down the research books. Instead, talk to a mother who chose to deliver her child without medical intervention.  Ask her about her experience. (Don’t be shy – most mothers love to tell their birth stories!) Notice her enthusiasm, her attitude towards labor pain, her level of confidence. Ask her if she would have chosen a different approach to her baby’s birth. I’ll wager that she’ll tell you: “There’s just no reason to do it any other way.”

 

Considering a natural birth? Want to learn more about your options? www.HealingHandsNH.com/childbirth.html

Wellness Center In Londonderry, NH Now Offers Saturday Morning Yoga

http://www.free-press-release.com/news/200901/1232376166.html

United States of America (Press Release) January 19, 2009 — By visiting Healing Hands Chiropractic’s website at http://www.healinghandsnh.com/yoga_hours.html you may view the class schedule and class descriptions. (Please scroll to bottom of this post for a coupon link.)
What we think of as yoga today is actually just one small part of a system developed in India over 3500 years ago. In Sanskrit, “yoga” means “yoking” or “oneness” a reference to the desire of ancient sages to unite the body, mind, and spirit into a cohesive whole. Yoga poses (asanas) are one of eight components that the sages implemented to attain this unity. Combined with specific breathing techniques (pranayama), the poses were designed to open energy channels in the body and allow energy (prana) to flow freely.
For modern practitioners, yoga has a variety of meanings. While for many the practice is deeply spiritual, for others it is simply a low-impact form of exercise and a way to increase flexibility. Still others practice yoga to deepen and understand the connection that exists between the body and the mind. Yoga is not a religion. Today it is practiced by individuals from all backgrounds and belief systems. 
A regular yoga practice has been shown to ease stress and improve relaxation, to improve both body image and body awareness, even to aid physiological problems like depression and substance addiction. On a purely physical level, yoga postures improve balance and coordination, increase flexibility and muscular endurance, and aid in both the prevention and repair of injuries
A typical yoga class will include time exclusively for breathing work and relaxation, with most class time devoted to instruction in a variety of yoga poses. The categories and difficulty of the poses performed will depend on the type of class and the ability levels of students attending.
Healing Hands’ Body-Mind Wellness program offers a variety of classes, private lessons, and workshops designed to enhance your health not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Our classes give you the tools to get healthy not just during class sessions, but outside of class as well. More information is available at http://www.healinghandsnh.com/yoga.html
Click the link above to print a coupon for you and a friend for any yoga class.

Dr. Jessica L. Caruso Announces Prenatal Program at Chiropractic and Family Wellness Center in Londonderry, NH

December 20, 2008

LONDONDERRY- Dr. Jessica L. Caruso (formerly Leavey), director at Healing Hands Chiropractic- A Family Wellness Center in Londonderry, NH is currently accepting new patients. Healing Hands Chiropractic is a full service wellness center offering chiropractic care, massage therapy, reiki therapy, yoga, meditation 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 comprehensive prenatal program to their schedule, beginning January 2009. Dr. Caruso is certified in the Webster Technique; a safe and effective technique for expectant mothers used to restore proper pelvic balance and function; allowing the baby to get into the best possible position for birth. In expectant mothers presenting breech, there has been a high reported success rate of the baby turning to the normal vertex position. This technique has been successfully used in women whose babies present transverse and posterior as well. More may be learned about this technique at http://www.healinghandsnh.com/chiro.html.

Healing Hands has also added additional pre- and postnatal yoga, as well as Yoga for Women’s Wellness classes to their schedule. Prenatal yoga classes are a traditional series of beginner and intermediate asanas, tailored to the specific needs of expectant mothers. The mission of their prenatal classes is to help you find the balance between preparing for the profound experience of birth, while also caring for yourself in the present moment.
Pregnant women may also participate in any of their traditional Asana classes. Instructors at Healing Hands can show you how to modify poses when necessary. Babysitting services are available on site for most yoga classes at Healing Hands Chiropractic. Classes with childcare may be found at
http://www.healinghandsnh.com/yoga_hours.html

Healing Hands Chiropractic also has childbirth education classes available. Classes meet in two formats: Weekly classes are two hours each, and run for six weeks. The seventh week is a casual question and answer time, where students have the opportunity to speak with new parents as well as holistic health professionals who specialize in prenatal care and/or pediatrics. Weekend sessions, an alternative for those who can’t attend during the week, meet two Saturday afternoons for five hours each time. Exact dates and times of classes may be found at http://www.healinghandsnh.com/child_hours.html.

A free prenatal consultation is available with Dr. Caruso by appointment. Appointments may be made by calling Healing Hands Chiropractic at (603)434-3456 or online at www.HealingHandsNH.com by clicking the ‘Book Now’ icon.

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

http://www.free-press-release.com/news/print-1231263951.html

The Perfect Gift: Presence

Posted by: Jenny Everett King, CYT

“What did we ever do before cell phones?” How many times have you found yourself in that conversation? Do you get annoyed if the person you’re texting doesn’t get back to you for more than an hour? Or how about the terrible lack of control we feel if the internet is down for a day? We are a society who wants our information NOW. We don’t want to wait and we don’t want to wonder.

Communications technology has only grown in convenience in recent years. A few years ago, we could check email on our own computers at home. Now we can access a remote email server from any computer with an internet connection. Answering machines are thing of the past – now we dial in to our voicemail from any phone, be it a cell or a landline.

As the wife of a police officer, I am the first person to appreciate the fact that we can usually contact one another at any time of the day or night, from any location. As a working mother, I love that I can accomplish many office tasks from home. And as an impatient multi-tasker, I love that I can do it all right away, and all at once.

But as a yoga practitioner and teacher, I have to question some of the “advantages” technology has brought us.

I start each yoga class that I teach by reminding my students to be wholly present. “Presence” refers to both time and space. To be present means to not only let go of the past and the future, but to also let go of things happening currently, apart from you. In other words, forget about emails being sent while you are away from your computer, voicemails being left while your phone is off, television shows being broadcast even if you forgot to Tivo them.

In our culture, presence is no easy task. We just aren’t used to it. We might be able to do it in yoga for an hour or so – if we really, really try – but what about the rest of the time? There is a legendary saying of Buddha, quoted by therapist Mike George in 1001 Meditations, that goes, “As you walk and eat and travel, be where you are. Otherwise you will miss most of your life.”

Which brings me to my confession: One day last week, I breastfed my son while reading my email and paying bills online. An admirable act of multi-tasking, perhaps. But when he was finished, I realized that I had held my son for 15 minutes and barely looked into his eyes.

Granted, this example is an isolated incident and perhaps a little extreme. But have you ever found yourself in a similar situation – so caught up in the things you could put off for 15 minutes that you miss the more important things happening right now? I believe that this conflict has only grown with the advancements in technology. We can now “manage” all aspects of our lives (or at least attempt to) from nearly any location at any time of day. The temptation to continuously manage our lives is even greater at this time of year, when most of us have twice as many commitments.

As we approach the holiday season, my suggestion is this: Be present. As you eat Thanksgiving dinner and shop for gifts and decorate your home, as you drive to work and schedule your chiropractic appointment and squeeze in a few moments for a yoga practice, be where you are. Otherwise you may miss most of your holidays!

A Holistic Approach to your Prenatal Care

Posted by: Dr. Jessica L. Caruso

Many of my patients ask “Is it safe for me to continue chiropractic care during my pregnancy?The answer is an astounding “YES!” In fact, not only is it safe; but chiropractic care can help with lower back pain, sciatica, and many more of the common symptoms associated with pregnancy. If you are pregnant one of the best things you can do is receive chiropractic care: a flexible, balanced spine, hips and pelvis; and internal organs free from postural and nervous system stress are essential for a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

Another reason to be under chiropractic care during pregnancy is…it’s drugless! Over the counter medications for relief of the common symptoms associated with new postural strains can be decreased — even avoided. There is no such thing as a safe drug.

I am a chiropractor who is Webster Technique Certified. This chiropractic technique helps to correct sacral misalignment, and balance pelvic muscles and ligaments, which in turn removes torsion to the woman’s uterus, its resulting constraint to the baby, and allows the baby to get into the best possible position for birth.(www.icpa4kids.com)

Healing Hands Chiropractic not only has specialized pregnancy chiropractic care…but we also have prenatal and postnatal yoga classes with our highly trained yoga teacher and childbirth educator, Jenny Everett King. We also offer massage and reiki, both of which have been shown to provide great relief of symptoms related to pregnancy, like sciatica.

We are happy to announce the addition of Empowered Birth:
Natural Childbirth Classes to our prenatal program. Classes start this October.

Expecting a baby is, for many parents, a time of great excitement, anticipation, and pride. It can also be filled with anxiety, questions, and even a little fear. The mission of Healing Hands Chiropractic’s Empowered Birth classes is to ease your fears and anxieties about birth, help you find answers to your questions, and give you the opportunity to have a confident, empowering, fulfilling birth experience.
Our classes are based on a philosophy called “woman-centered birth,” in which the needs and desires of the laboring mother are the foundation of her perinatal care. Our class material is based on the ALACE childbirth education curriculum, which emphasizes informed decision-making and a holistic approach to childbearing.
Empowered Birth classes are designed for parents desiring to learn more about natural childbirth. We will include unbiased information on medical alternatives such as induction, anesthesia (epidurals), and cesarean birth. The bulk of the material, however, focuses on helping parents achieve a natural birth, whether in a hospital, a birth center, or at home.
Classes meet in two formats: Weekly classes are two hours each, and run for six weeks. The seventh week is a casual question and answer time, where students have the opportunity to speak with new parents as well as holistic health professionals who specialize in prenatal care and/or pediatrics. Weekend sessions, an alternative for those who can’t attend during the week, meet two Saturday afternoons for five hours each time. Please click
here for additional information about upcoming classes.

Pregnancy and birth are special times in a woman’s life that she should enjoy and treasure, not something to just “get through.” We are comitted to helping you have the best possible childbearing experience through holistic prenatal care.

Undo the Damage

Posted by: Jenny Everett King

 

My two-year-old likes to fold in half, place the top of her head on the floor, and say, “Look, Mom, I’m doing yoga!” If she has an audience (other than her proud yoga teacher mama), her performance usually leads to a discussion of “Wouldn’t you love to have that kind of flexibility!” At that point, I usually point out that most of us could have something approaching that level of flexibility, if only we would work to develop it.

Granted, most of us will never be able to put our heads on the floor when practicing a forward bend. The abilities of small children have as much to do with their proportions as they do with flexibility. But our lack of flexibility as adults has more to do with a lifetime of bad, tension-inducing habits than it does with aging.

Years of teaching have shown me that close relationship between daily activities and physical tension. Most runners have tight hamstrings and pain in the lower back, while many weight-lifters have tight chests and difficulty taking a deep, full breath. I usually see tight calves and toes (and the resulting lower back pain) among professional women who frequently wear high heels; I see wrist pain and tight hips among the computer set. Breastfeeding mothers often have tight upper backs and rounded shoulders. The list goes on. To make matters worse, most of compensate for our tight areas by over-using other muscles and joints, which in turn leads to more tension – a vicious cycle.

So, can we help our bodies out of this mess?

The first and obvious solution is to change our habits. No, I am not suggesting you change your exercise routine or quit your job, and I certainly would never tell a woman to stop breastfeeding her baby. But we can change the way we do certain things. Consider a change in footwear, for running or for work. At the computer and while nursing, be conscious of using good posture and changing position frequently.

The second part of maintaining and eventually increasing flexibility is simple: Use it or lose it. In yoga classes, we focus on undoing the damage from daily life as well as promoting general flexibility. I often have runners and avid hikers focus on their hamstrings, while a nursing mom may concentrate on opening her shoulders and chest in the same pose. Likewise, a high-heel-wearing executive might focus on her calves in Downward-Facing Dog, while someone on a computer all day might concentrate on opening his hands to take pressure off the wrists. That’s the beauty of yoga: Each pose works so many areas, that people with very different lifestyles can practice together and reap the benefits.

Your Body is Your Ally

Posted by: Jenny Everett King

 

There is a common, if obvious, theme among the many modalities we offer at Healing Hands: All are meant to promote health and overall well-being. But the commonalities run deeper than that. All the modalities we offer, as well as other practices that we often recommend, have a very specific goal in common: All are meant to improve your health from within your own body.

Much of conventional medicine teaches us to work against our bodies’ natural responses to stimuli. Numb the pain. Lower the fever. Kill the disease. Above all else, be in control.

But we cannot “control” our health entirely. Recent news on MRSA and antibiotics, childhood vaccination questions, and the side effects of prescription medications has indicated that our cultural control mindset can have disastrous results as well as miraculous ones.

The distinction between alternative and conventional medicine is about more than methodology; it’s about mentality. Alternative healing views the body as a friend to work with, rather than an enemy to fight against.

Easier said than done.

It runs counter to our culture to view the body as an ally. Women, in part, tend to have a difficult time even tolerating their bodies, let alone befriending or loving them! In my yoga classes I encourage my students (both men and women) to appreciate their bodies as they are in that moment, rather than focusing on trying to change them. Yes, positive physical changes will happen with time and effort. But we must first accept ourselves – mind and body – in order to help those changes happen in the healthiest way possible.

Similarly, women planning unmedicated childbirth often find that in order to have a fulfilling experience, they must first surrender to their bodies’ innate knowledge. The underlying concept here is even more foreign than befriending the body: In these instances, one has to actually surrender the mind and let the body take control. That’s a pretty daunting task for most of us. (Especially we Type “A” personalities. . .)

The commitment to natural health requires strength in areas where we as modern Americans are often lacking: Self-discipline. Patience. Perhaps most importantly, trust in ourselves. We tend to perceive the absence of control as an indication of weakness. But the ability to align our minds with our bodies, to approach our health, in fact, “holistically,” demands strength on a much deeper level.