Pesticides used in the home are not only poisonous to those species that inconvenience us but they are also dangerous to our health, children and pets.

Household pesticides have been shown to be the cause of many health concerns including allergies, asthma, chronic fatigue and even serious disease including cancer, liver failure and in extreme cases death.

The Answer—Go Natural!

Here’s a quick and easy recipe to deal with cockroaches naturally:

·         1 cup of sugar

·         1 cup of boric acid (you will find this in supermarkets or hardware stores)

Place both ingredients in a jar, close the lid and shake well to combine. Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into a shallow dish and place in areas where you normally find cockroaches.

Easy, quick and effective!

(c) 2008 Gabriela Rosa. All Rights Reserved.

Recipe excerpted from Protecting Your Fertility: The Dangers of Conventional Pest Control and Natural, Safe Alternatives Revealed by Gabriela Rosa

Gabriela Rosa is an author, researcher, natural fertility specialist and founder of Natural Fertility & Health Solutions—a multi modality, integrative medicine practice based in Sydney. Gabriela and her company are devoted to creating healthy and happy families by helping bring healthy babies into the world and empowering individuals through better health. Gabriela is a regular expert contributor in the media, she also publishes the ‘Natural Fertility Booster’ an online publication for prospective parents and has her own weekly spot on one of Sydney’s popular radio stations.

In my personal experience of loss and grief and my 35 years of working with individuals and couples I have come to the conclusion that there is no set pattern to the stages of grief.

In her book “On Death and Dying” Elizabeth Kubler-Ross described what she saw as the five stages that a person moved through when facing their own death. They were:

Denial (this isn’t happening to me!)
Anger (why is this happening to me?)
Bargaining (I promise I’ll be a better person if…)
Depression (I don’t care anymore)
Acceptance (I’m ready for whatever comes)

In numerous papers and journals I have noted that it is a commonly held belief that when a person is dealing with the loss of a loved one they move through these same stages in this exact order.
My experience has shown me that no two people deal with a loss in the same way but I have observed that most people experience most of the above emotional states in varying orders and to varying degrees.
When a tragic situation occurs most people are more inclined to initially describe their reaction as becoming numb due to being overwhelmed by the enormity of the situation. When this happens they can find it difficult to function and yet some will cope by becoming very “mechanical” in their functioning, such as continuing to carry out work or home duties, almost being unaware of what they are doing.
When this happens they are turned inward and are not all that aware of what is going on around them because they are struggling to cope with their internal emotional storm.
When a tragedy occurs, such as the loss of a child, this can throw a relationship into a very confusing state and can be a testing time for many.
In my experience the relationships that cope the best are those where the partners are supportive of each other but where they also have other support networks outside the primary relationship. These can be family, friends, neighbours, social groups or work colleagues.
Where difficulties can arise for a couple is when they have an expectation that their partner will always be there to support them. If both people are feeling that they are drowning in their emotions and are struggling to cope, then it can be very difficult for them to be available to support each other. This can lead them feeling let down or abandoned by their partner at a time when they need them most.
If a relationship is already in trouble before a tragedy occurs, it can often lead to the breakdown of that relationship. On the other hand, most people report that once they are over the initial shock and confusion, they have found that the common grief and tough times have actually strengthened their relationship and brought them closer together.
Where it is particularly tough is where individuals and couples are facing a major loss for the first time in their lives and they do not have the life experience, skills or knowledge on how to deal with it. My own experience is that the first time I faced a loss it was incredibly difficult as I had no idea what was happening to me or that there would be an end to it. The next time I had a loss it was still incredibly painful but I had the knowledge that what was happening to me was normal and that I would eventually be ok and I found this was a great comfort.
Counselling is a very useful way of moving through the different stages of grief. Clients have told me that it was most helpful talking to somebody who wasn’t constantly trying to tell them how they should be feeling and what they should do to fix themselves. It was also an opportunity for them to just explore what they were feeling and thinking in a non-judgmental and safe environment, and then figure out how to deal with the future. This often involves learning new skills, developing new coping mechanisms and gaining a greater understanding of themselves.

Sydney-based relationship and individual counseling expert Paul Bayley is a regular contributor to the celebrated ‘Natural Health Booster’ fortnightly ezine with 1,000+ subscribers. If you’re ready to optimise your health, wellbeing and fertility, get your FREE tips now at www.boostyourhealthnow.com or www.boostyourfertilitynow.com.

Paul has private consultations available, to make an appointment please phone Julia or Carolina on 1300 85 84 90.

You may think that the words Acupuncture and relaxing don’t belong in the same sentence. But despite the pre conceptions people have about Acupuncture you will be surprised to find that having fine needles inserted into very specific points on the body induces a feeling of calm tranquillity and a deep sense of relaxation. Part of the reason for this is that Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins by the brain, the body’s natural opiates. This also goes some way in explaining the well researched pain relieving effects that Acupuncture has on the body.

Your treatment will begin by asking questions. This deductive diagnosis helps to uncover the root causes of signs and symptoms, getting to the bottom of the problem, this is the theory that underpins Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and explains why it is so effective. If ten people come for treatment for migraine they will each be give a different treatment that takes the root causes of their symptoms into account – rather than a ‘headache’ point.

After this the pulse and tongue will be examined, these are both diagnostic tools utilised in TCM. Complexion and general health are also taken into consideration as is any western diagnosis that is presented. These factors all amalgamate to form the complex and dynamic clinical landscape that adds up to a whole person.

The rest of the treatment is very relaxing as you lay down either on your front, back or side. Super fine sterile, disposable needles (usually between 6 and 10) are quickly and painlessly inserted in selected Acupuncture points. You are left to relax for about 30 minutes with some calming music playing, usually sinking into a deep state of relaxation. There are sometimes non painful sensations felt during the treatment that range from a warm sensation to a heaviness and are just a sign of the Qi – or energy circulating through the system.

Sydney-based Specialist Acupuncturist Brook Canning is a regular contributor to the much celebrated ‘Natural Health Booster’ fortnightly ezine with 1,000+ subscribers. If you’re ready to jump-start and optimise your health, wellbeing and fertility, get your FREE tips now at www.boostyourhealthnow.com or www.boostyourfertilitynow.com.

Brook has private consultations available, to make an appointment please phone us on 1300 85 84 90.

Many of us worry about our posture but don’t know what to do about it. Being told to stand up straight or pull our shoulders back doesn’t seem to help.

What most people don’t realize is that one of the most common complaints brought to chiropractors, osteopaths and massage therapists is due to poor posture and can be fixed by simply breathing differently!

If you’ve ever wanted someone to rub your shoulder and neck muscles because they ache all the time then this article is for you.

A very common sight in Western countries is to see people with their head poked forward, their shoulders rounded and their spine slumped into an exaggerated curve. People with this posture (and to a greater or lesser extent it is most of us) have to activate the muscles of the neck and shoulder region to counterbalance the weight of the head and shoulders as they slump forward. These muscles are “on” whenever we are upright and to a lesser extent even when we are laying down! This is not how your body works most efficiently. The muscles become exhausted. They compress their own blood supply and lymphatic drainage leading to inefficient metabolism and the accumulation of waste products that further irritate the nerves in the muscles and connective tissue.

The solution does not lay in rubbing your neck and shoulders or pulling your shoulders back. You have to learn how to breathe properly again.

First: a simple test. Have a friend observe you as you try all the following exercises otherwise you will fool yourself.

1. Stand up, eyes level, with your friend standing at your side.
2. Take a very deep breath into the chest, lifting the chest with your breath.
3. Keep holding your breath, relax your shoulders and your neck.
4. Imagine fixing the top of your sternum (breast bone) where it is and slowly breathing half way out through the nose by drawing your abdomen in and up under the rib cage. Visualize getting taller as you do this.
5. Slowly breathe back in through the nose by relaxing and expanding the abdomen.

Your friend should be looking for the following problems:

1. As you take the initial big breath in you may end up looking up at where the wall and ceiling meet. This is because when your head sits too far forward you have to extend your head backward by contracting the suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull so as to to bring your eyes level. As you breathe deeply the head and neck lift but the suboccipital muscles may stay contracted. This leaves you looking upward without meaning to. If this is happening you should tilt your head down to bring your eyes level after the initial deep breath.
2. As you relax your shoulders make sure you do not drop your sternum (breast bone) and do not pull the shoulders back. Just let the shoulders fall into a natural position under gravity.
3. As you breathe out by drawing the abdomen in you may feel you can’t figure out how to breathe that way and/or you may drop the sternum without realizing it.
If you observe any of these things you are probably a chest breather with a postural problem. This pattern of breathing is associated with heightened anxiety and can be associated with jaw problems and a tendancy to mouth breathe in some people. Although it may seem impossible at the moment you need to learn to breathe with your abdomen again, the way you did when you were a little child. Watch most toddlers and you will see their little belly moving in and out as they breathe in a relaxed and natural way.

The first step on the way to recovery is realizing there is a problem. The second step is to learn how to breathe with your abdomen again.

Start by laying down and putting a heavy novel or other book on your abdomen. Without worrying about breathing, poke your abdomen out to lift the book upward. This is often more difficult for women because they have trained themselves NOT to poke their belly out. Don’t worry this exercise is not going to make you look fat! It will actually get rid of the small belly that is created by a slumped posture.

Once you can poke your abdomen out with confidence try breathing in at the same time so that the breath lifts the relaxed abdomen WITHOUT lifting the chest. This may be difficult or you may not realise you are lifting the chest, so a friend observing is good at this stage too. Raising your arms above your head can make it easier to breathe into the abdomen as well.

Once you are confident with the abdomen go to the next stage (while still lying down). Start by breathing in to the abdomen and then continue to breathe in to the chest as a second stage. Once the lungs are completely full in this way relax the abdomen to allow the breath out while keeping the chest inflated. Next, relax the chest to let the rest of the breath out.

So, the cycle is: belly in, chest in, belly out, chest out. This is a standard yogic breath cycle. You need to practice this each day for 5 minutes. Make the breaths very slow so that you don’t hyperventilate and make sure you are breathing in and out through the nose. You will find the exercise very relaxing once you have become co-ordinated.

Once you have mastered this you will be ready to try breathing correctly when you are sitting or standing up. It is much harder when you are responding to the demands of gravity. Look for that part of the exercise in PART 2.

Leading chiropractor, craniosacral and myofascial release practitioner Paul Doney is a regular contributor to the much celebrated ‘Natural Health Booster’ fortnightly ezine with 1,000+ subscribers. If you’re ready to jump-start and optimise your health, wellbeing and fertility, get your FREE tips now at www.boostyourhealthnow.com or www.boostyourfertilitynow.com.

Paul has private consultations available, to make an appointment please phone Julia or Carolina on 1300 85 84 90.

Everyone knows diets can be difficult to stick to and that weight loss is very hard when you feel like you are depriving yourself. Instead of being a positive and exciting experience, losing weight becomes a struggle against yourself, especially when certain foods and patterns of eating have become a habit. Emotional or comfort eating, can be the one glitch in an otherwise healthy lifestyle.

Human beings have certain basic needs in life ranging from companionship, a sense of control, a sense of security, comfort, feeling stretched and stimulated to having purpose and meaning in life. Even more basic are the needs for water, sleep and relaxation and nutrition to provide energy for the body. We usually meet these basic needs in an unconscious instinctive way and don’t need to think about them on a conscious level. Sometimes, though, our signals get crossed and we mistake the signs of the more complex needs for the basic physical needs. For example someone who is feeling anxious or on edge needs rest and relaxation but may instead reach for sweet or carbohydrate filled snacks to try and satisfy the need.

One of the biggest obstacles to curbing emotional or comfort eating is that many people actually confuse emotional hunger with true physical hunger. So the first step is to learn to differentiate between the two, luckily it’s easy when you know what to look for. Physical hunger is usually a slow, deep, gradual feeling that builds up over time letting the body know it needs more fuel. Emotional hunger is usually quick, sharp and sudden, typified by cravings for specific, usually unhealthy, food. Emotional hunger feels urgent and demanding to the point that you might be willing to go out of your way to satisfy a particular craving whereas physical hunger is quite patient, unless you haven’t eaten in a very long time. If you don’t stop eating when you’re full because you want more of the taste of the food then that is also emotional hunger as opposed to physical hunger which doesn’t need to be stuffed to be satisfied. If your eating is followed by feelings of guilt it’s usually because part of you knows you’re not eating just to satisfy pure physical hunger.

The trigger for emotional eating may have started out as an emotion such as anxiety, sadness, loneliness, boredom or anger. In these instances you might have reached out for ‘comfort’ food, which could have provided a short relief from the situation, this action may then have been repeated in other similar situations enough times to form a pattern or habit. Once the pattern is set the unconscious mind can associate any number of triggers to the same situation. This means the triggers could include certain moods or times of the day or stressful situations or even the weather . For example if you got into the habit of eating ice cream on the sofa while watching TV because you were feeling sad or lonely then each time you sit on the sofa watching TV your unconscious mind can trigger the same emotional hunger response, regardless of your emotional state. Eating food to satiate a need other than hunger can feel effective for a short time as it is instant gratification but of course it only serves as a distraction. Not only does misguided eating leave the true need unattended to, it adds to the problem leaving unwanted extra fat cells to burn off. It’s like filling your car with fuel when it actually needs to have a tyre changed. What typical times or situations are there in your life where you’ve got into an unhealthy pattern of emotional eating?

The second important step is to try to rediscover what the actual need is that you’re trying to fill with food. So the next time you’re tempted to comfort eat, stop and think about what would really fulfill you in that moment. Would it be to do some exercise? Would it be having a chat to a friend? Would it be doing something fun and creative? Would it be to do something that stimulates your brain? What is your real need in the situation? Because if you are attempting to fill the wrong need then eating just won’t work.

If you have been comfort eating then of course you are trying to feel comforted by the food. We need comforting when we feel anxious. Regular deep relaxation is the real nourishment you need. The more you relax day to day the more you actually feel, and are, comforted because there’s nothing truly comforting about getting an expanding waistline or deteriorating health.

You can re-educate your unconscious mind to recognise the difference between emotional hunger and physical hunger and to respond appropriately. You can develop mindful eating and stop craving fatty, high-sugar foods as well as develop a healthy eating habit that feels like second nature, of course, for lasting weight loss, this needs to be part of a healthy lifestyle. Once you have got your unconscious mind on your side, things are so much easier and this is where hypnosis can be really effective. For your free consultation and introduction to hypnotherapy and relaxation techniques contact Nil Pozcu at nil@boostyourhealthnow.com

Sydney-based Clinical Hypnotherapist Nil Pozcu is a regular contributor to the celebrated ‘Natural Health Booster’ fortnightly ezine with 1,000+ subscribers. If you’re ready to optimise your health, wellbeing and fertility, get your FREE tips now at www.boostyourhealthnow.com or www.boostyourfertilitynow.com.

Nil has private consultations available, to make an appointment please phone us on 1300 85 84 90.

Role in the body:

·         Essential to over 300 enzymes and their functions in the body, which basically means that almost ANYTHING the body does requires magnesium;

·         Involved in muscle contraction and relaxation;

·         Necessary for the transmission of messages along nerves;

·         Involved in the production of energy in the body;

·         Important for blood sugar regulation;

·         Stress management;

·         Contributes to the healthy functioning of the immune system

Deficiency signs and symptoms:

·         Chocolate cravings

·         Cramps particularly foot and calf

·         Twitching eyelids

·         Insomnia

·         Anxiety

·         Irritability

·         PMS

·         Chronic fatigue

·         Depression

·         Heart disease

Rich food sources:

Almonds, brewer’s yeast, cashews, cocoa, molasses, parsnips, soy beans, wholegrain

cereals, kelp, eggs, seeds

However the most reliable way of taking magnesium is through a good quality, high dose supplement.

Recommended daily intake:

·         Recommended daily allowance: 350mg per day

·         Supplementation range: 300 – 1,000mg per day

The colon is a vital organ that many people tend to overlook when considering their health. Essential nutrients are absorbed from food via the intestines; the colon then removes solid waste from the body- Business as usual. However, an unhealthy diet can disrupt the vital inner workings of the digestive system and lead to serious problems, including illnesses that are not directly related to the gastrointestinal tract.

How it happens:

When there is a lack of healthy fiber and water in the diet, plus excessive consumption of fat, starch, sugar and processed “junk,” the colon is unable to rid itself of everything as it normally should. Solid waste gets left behind and it builds up on the walls of the colon, where it becomes very hard and difficult to pass. Over time, it putrefies and toxins enter the blood stream, causing illness. This hard waste matter also interferes with nutrient absorption, contributing to deficiencies.

Digestive problems that can develop over time as a result of a toxic diet include diverticulitis, polyps, constipation, diarrhea, impacted colon, colorectal cancer, hemorrhoids and more. Illnesses that are not digestive in nature which can result from the same poor diet include headaches, neurological disorders, arthritis, fatigue, sleep disturbance, infertility, depression, body odor, hair loss, poor complexion, skin eruptions, obesity and possibly others.

Fortunately, many of these problems can be prevented and even alleviated through a comprehensive healthy colon regime.

Tame that hungry beast!

You simply can not eat everything that is put before you and expect to be healthy! Pre-fabricated, processed “convenience” foods are mostly unhealthy. They are full of artificial chemicals, “bad” fats, excess salt, refined sugar and very few nutrients. Add to that, they are often marketed as “microwavable” which is an extremely unhealthy and carcinogenic method of cooking. Instead, make time to cook natural, unprocessed foods or even better- Eat fresh! Fresh, organic fruits and vegetables have the highest levels of nutrients and offer the dietary fiber necessary for a healthy colon. Drink plenty of filtered water, fresh juices and avoid soft drinks and other chemical concoctions. Also red meat should be consumed in moderation. Choose meat that was organically raised and free of hormones.

A clean start…

A healthy colon regime, like any good spring clean should be done at least a couple of times a year—it works as a good detox which will give you amazing clarity of thinking, energy to burn and fantastic well being! The other great benefit is that a good digestive program will also alleviate many uncomfortable digestive symptoms such as bloating, flatulence and the like which are simply a sign that the body is not working as effectively as it could be.

Who should go on a healthy colon regime?

Anyone who wishes to have better health, feel good and look great! Be aware, however that if you are pregnant or are trying to conceive this is not at all a good time for a detox or any drastic changes! Consult a competent and qualified naturopath before starting on any new regime.

Leading Sydney-based clinical naturopath and natural fertility specialist Gabriela Rosa publishes the two celebrated ‘Natural Health Booster’ and ‘Natural Fertility Booster’ ezines with 1,000+ subscribers. If you’re ready to optimise your health, wellbeing and fertility, get your FREE tips now at www.boostyourhealthnow.com or www.boostyourfertilitynow.com.

Gabriela has limited private consultations available, to make an appointment please phone us on 1300 85 84 90.

Some babies just don’t want to leave their mum’s tums! As your due date passes by uneventful, you may be feeling anxious to get on with the much anticipated labour and impatient to meet your new baby. Avoiding a medical induction is a reason many women will seek out an Acupuncturist to bring about a natural, non invasive start to their labour.

When induction is encouraged

Less than 5% of women give birth on their actual due date and while it is very common especially in a first pregnancy for a woman’s pregnancy to continue past her due date, there comes a point where medical intervention in the form of induction of labour is considered to be the safest course of action.

Whilst many labours will occur spontaneously, some babies seem more than happy to stay in their cosy environments with no sign of coming out. One of the reasons induction is a necessary intervention is that babies that stay in utero significantly past their due dates can suffer health problems and even neo-natal death as a result of the uterine environment deteriorating.

Labours may also be induced because of the mother’s health e.g. women with high blood pressure (pregnancy induced hypertension), compromised renal function, women having twins (or more) or infections that are a potential risk to the baby. It may be seen as the best course by your medical practitioner to get labour started as soon as possible.

Premature rupturing of the membranes (waters breaking ) with no signs of labour imminent can be another reason for a medical induction due to the risk of infection - hospitals having varying guidelines on the amount of time a women is left before being medically induced.

A medical induction aims to artificially start labour, usually with one or more applications of prostaglandin gels that stimulate and ripen the cervix. If the gels do not work, syntocinon will be administered by intravenous drip. This imitates the body’s natural output of oxytocin which under normally initiates contractions of the uterus.

Medical inductions are a safe and necessary intervention; however, they can increase the trauma of birth due to the associated stress and worry that often accompanies inductions. Some of the worry experienced by women about medical inductions is the idea that the contractions will be more intense and painful and harder to be in control of early into the labour resulting in more use of medical pain relief. Although this is not always the case, the absence of pre-labour may inhibit the woman’s natural build up of pain relieving endorphins and her sense of control over pain. Therefore, if any natural treatment can be undertaken to get labour started it is certainly worth trying.

What does Chinese Medicine say about the onset of Labour?

Chinese medicine states that a harmonious labour will occur when the Qi and blood are circulating well and correctly, when Yang energy which initiates activity becomes more dominant than the Yin energy which nourishes growth.

How acupuncture is used to induce labour?

There are acupuncture points that relate specifically to encouraging the process of labour. Many of these points are forbidden prior to this time in pregnancy due to their effectiveness at encouraging uterine contractions. Specific points will be chosen by the Acupuncturist to ensure the Qi and blood flow correctly.

Other points will have a specific descending action or be related to ripening the cervix. Although acupuncture is a form of intervention, it encourages the body to spontaneously follow its natural pattern rather than introducing a foreign element. An Acupuncture induced labour will not result in a rapid onset of contractions but rather encourage the body to move in the right direction by stimulating muscle contractions, ripening the cervix and encouraging the baby to descend. Points that stimulate the release of endorphins – your body’s natural pain relievers may also be selected by your Acupuncturist to help manage early labour pain and discomfort. Other Acupuncture points that help to build stamina calm the mind and body may also be selected to help you fully focus your energy on the task ahead.

Preparing for labour?

Pre Birth Acupuncture treatments can have a positive effect on your labour onset as well as progression. A recent study by New Zealand midwives reported not only more efficient deliveries with less complications but a higher rate of spontaneous onset of labour. Pre-birth Acupuncture can be started from 36/37 weeks gestation.

Sydney-based Specialist Acupuncturist Brook Canning is a regular contributor to the much celebrated ‘Natural Health Booster’ fortnightly ezine with 1,000+ subscribers. If you’re ready to jump-start and optimise your health, wellbeing and fertility, get your FREE tips now at www.boostyourhealthnow.com or www.boostyourfertilitynow.com.

Brook has private consultations available, to make an appointment please phone us on 1300 85 84 90.

Fear can stop us on our tracks—but ultimately the choice is ours. We can choose to let fear stop us or we can feel the fear and do it anyway. One of the most curious and interesting things about fear is that it’s made up in our mind by the meanings we choose to give things—and 99.9% of the time doing the thing is fear most is not at all as bad as what we imagine. Often we just need a little assistance!

So here are a few ways of strengthening your courage:

Accept the fact you will handle it—you haven’t come this far in life without your fair share of difficulties and disappointments and guess what? YOU HANDLED IT! A great way of letting go of fear forever is to accept that no matter what happens in the future (even if you’d prefer a different outcome)—you will handle it!

Talk positively to yourself—positive self talk is a crucial way of boosting your confidence and decreasing your fear. Keep telling yourself: “I can do it, I can do it, I can do it”!

Use your imagination, positively—what a lot of people don’t realise is that the process of worrying about an outcome or feeling fearful (in our minds) is the exact opposite of using positive visualisations. Simply see yourself (in your mind’s eye) courageously conquering whatever you fear. Repeat it frequently. The brain does not know the difference between a vividly imagine situation and reality so each time you do this you will strengthen your courage.

Tap your fear away (literally)—learn to turn off your fear in seconds with emotional freedom technique. It’s an amazing tool that will have you feeling totally confident in no time. I teach this tool and will be holding my last workshop this year on 1st November. Click here for more information.

Leading Sydney-based clinical naturopath and natural fertility specialist Gabriela Rosa publishes the two celebrated ‘Natural Health Booster’ and ‘Natural Fertility Booster’ ezines with 1,000+ subscribers. If you’re ready to optimise your health, wellbeing and fertility, get your FREE tips now at www.boostyourhealthnow.com or www.boostyourfertilitynow.com.

Heartburn and reflux will be experienced in some form by the majority of women during their pregnancy. The increase of progesterone and oestrogen relaxes the smooth muscles of the digestive system – allowing digestive juices from the stomach to counter flow and enter the oesophagus. The level of discomfort can range from mild to severe pain and even vomiting, affecting diet and food intake, not to mention disrupting much needed sleep.

Chinese Medicine looks at this counter flow of digestive juices as a disharmony of the flow of Qi or energy. The Stomach and Spleen, which according to Chinese Medicine are responsible for the smooth downward flow of the digestive tract and the absorption and assimilation of nutrients, are under increased physical pressure from the growing baby. This explains why the worst of heartburn often occurs in the third trimester.

The Qi can become ‘stagnant’ in the digestive tract due to physical changes. This stagnant Qi often generates the painful burning sensation felt in the chest and throat. The Qi can also become ‘rebellious’ and travel in the direction opposite to its natural flow. This creates the symptoms of reflux, sour regurgitation and vomiting.

Acupuncture points are selected to help disperse the stagnant Qi in the digestive tract, cool the heat that has arisen as a result and encourage the calm, downward flow of energy that facilitates efficient digestion. This is also a good time to talk to your Acupuncturist about other digestive upsets that are common in pregnancy like constipation and haemorrhoids.

Sydney-based Specialist Acupuncturist Brook Canning is a regular contributor to the much celebrated ‘Natural Health Booster’ fortnightly ezine with 1,000+ subscribers. If you’re ready to jump-start and optimise your health, wellbeing and fertility, get your FREE tips now at www.boostyourhealthnow.com or www.boostyourfertilitynow.com.

Brook has private consultations available, to make an appointment please phone us on 1300 85 84 90.