Interview with Jill Blakeway, LAc and Dr. Sami David

Watch this clip with Dr. Sami David and Jill Blakeway, LAc, discuss their book Making Babies:A Proven 3-month Program for Maximum Fertility on Parents TV. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4wZ89WXxqE&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

Dr Sami David is a reproductive endocrinologist who has been working with Jill Blakeway, LAc for several years. Dr. David discusses concerns about IVF and why acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine are a healthier alternative to fertility drugs. Jill Blakeway explains the types of people who come in for treatment, and how they have come up with a way to find the "type" of people who come in for treatments.

1.Tired 2. Dry 3. Pale 4. Stuck 5. Waterlogged

Jill gives specific advice about each type, and explains that in Chinese medicine, we treat each person individually. Each type and each person will have specific treatment plans tailored exactly to what they need. Jill also reminds couples that it's not always the woman who may be the reason a couple is unable to conceive, and that men should also get checked out. If you are curious about your "type" go to the Making Babies Program website and take the test (I took it- it's easy!). I also recommend checking out the YinOva blog for a great post on how men can boost their fertility potential.

What Can Acupuncture Treat? Stress and Anxiety in Pregnancy

Pregnant Belly by kellyandapril

There are many reasons a woman maybe feeling stressed during her pregnancy. It's a time of change and growth within your body and withing your community. With these changes (not to mention hormones) may come added stress and anxiety about the health of the baby, relationships with family members, and the birth of the child. Using acupuncture is a drug-free method to help with your ever-changing emotions and other conditions that you may encounter during pregnancy (see previous post).

This article from Pregnancy Today is a great resource for mothers-to-be who may be nervous about trying acupuncture for symptom relief. Read the sections about a successful induction, a case where acupuncture stopped postpartum bleeding using a single acupoint, and how acupuncture can help with postpartum care.

Acupuncture can help you to enjoy a happy and healthy pregnancy, so be sure to find someone who is right for you, and who you are comfortable with. For a list of questions to ask when looking for a practitioner, read Acupuncture Health blogs post- 'Choosing the Right Acupuncturist.'