Anna Totzke, Registered Acupuncturist
Research shows that Pre-Birth Acupuncture Treatments have many positive effects including:
-A shorter duration of labour
-35% reduction in medical inductions
-32% lower cesarean rates
-31% reduction in requests for epidural
-An overall increase in natural vaginal deliveries
For Research: https://touchstonehealth.ca/…/acupuncture-in-pregnancy/
By Anna Totzke, Registered Acupuncturist
Tuina is a type of bodywork based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. Tuina focuses on the pathways in the body called meridians to help encourage circulation in the body. Acupressure is also applied to acupuncture points to promote healing. Depending on the client’s constitution and concern, various Tuina techniques are used to help the body to heal by either: unblocking, nourishing, warming/cooling, dispersing/gathering, stimulating/calming, and helping with circulation throughout the body.
I enjoy applying Tuina along with cupping, acupuncture, or moxibustion but is a wonderful and effective treatment on its own. Tuina is also a great option for people that would prefer a needle-less treatment or a more hands-on approach.
Muscle and Joint Pain and Weakness: Back pain, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, cervical spondylosis, wry neck, chronic neck and shoulder tension, back pain, sciatica, leg pain, hip pain
Menstrual / Fertility: PMS and menstrual problems, painful periods, irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, fibroids, infertility
Digestive: Digestive & inflammatory bowel conditions (IBS, colitis, constipation, diarrhoea, Indigestion, poor appetite, epigastric pain, abdominal pain)
Head / Sinus Issues: Headaches and migraines, Sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, facial paralysis, toothache, teeth grinding, TMJ issues
Respiratory / Chest: Palpitations, angina, cough and asthma, plumstone throat, rib tightness
Emotional / Mental: Stress, depression, anxiety, insomnia
Yoga for Upper Back, Neck, and Shoulders
During the last month or so I’ve been missing my regular massage, chiropractic, and acupuncture/cupping treatments. I found this yoga video that really helps with upper back, shoulder and neck tension. It is also super relaxing! Enjoy!
Acupressure is a wonderful tool that can be can be used to help ease tension in the body. It is easy to use and you can apply on yourself anytime. Here are a few videos that demonstrate how acupressure can be used to relieve headaches:
Please be sure to wash your hands and face before and after you do apply the acupressure points. If you are currently pregnant, please only use the facial points.
For tension headaches:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
For different types of headaches:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
By Anna Totzke, Registered Acupuncturist
As the colder air and shorter days of Fall arrive, our patterns of exercise, diet, and sleep change. We are more prone to colds and flu. These seasonal changes can affect our immune system and it is therefore important to adjust our daily patterns during this season:
Diet——> Eating warmer foods (soups, stews, etc) helps strengthens the immune system. Stay away from raw vegetables and cold foods at this time of the year as it will weaken the immune system. Limit your sugar intake but incorporate “sweet and warm” foods like squash, pumpkin, and cinnamon. Make sure you are drinking enough water.
Stay Warm ——> Make sure your head, upper back neck, and feet especially stay warm. A warm body helps protect itself from outside “pathogens”.
Manage Stress ——> Stress weakens the immune system
Exercise ——> During the colder months most people tend to exercise less. Add Yoga and stretching into your exercise routine. Exercise help keep the circulation moving and helps decrease stress levels.
Sleep——> As the daylight hours get shorter, it is important to allow yourself to get more sleep. Getting adequate sleeps is very important to help manage stress, keep your body strong, and therefore keep your immune system strong.
Acupuncture:
-Help prevent colds and flu by boosting your immune system
-Can help you recover from a cold or flu faster if you are already sick
-Reduce chills, fever and body aches
-Relieve sore throat and congestion
-Can help relieve stress
Cupping:
-Can help stop or reduce upper respiratory symptoms
-Can help strengthen the immune system
-Calms the Nervous System
-Improves Blood and Lymphatic circulation
-Can help clear sinus congestion and sinus headaches
Learn more about Acupuncture and Cupping.
by Anna Totzke, Registered Acupuncturist
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia women develop during pregnancy. The most vulnerable times for developing iron deficiency anemia is around the 20th week (the blood volume increases at this point), and the last 4-6 weeks (as the baby is developing its own iron stores).
Acupuncture and Moxibustion*:
When iron levels are low during pregnancy, women are generally advised to take an iron supplement. Studies have shown that doing a series of moxibustion and acupuncture treatments significantly helps increase the absorption rate of iron while taking an iron supplement.
*Moxibustionis a Traditional Chinese Medicine therapy which consists of burning dried mugwort (an herb) on particular points on the body
For more information about Acupuncture in Pregnancy or to ask a question, feel free to contact Anna Totzke, R.Ac. annatotzke@gmail.com
by Anna Totzke, Registered Acupuncturist
Most people experience headaches at some point. They are one of the the most common physical complaints in North America! The most common type of headaches are tension-type headaches and migraines. Some headache triggers are: sinus issues, muscle tightness, stress and tension, dehydration, medication, high blood pressure, and postural issues. Most people resort to taking over-the-counter medication to help relieve the pain but unlike synthetic drugs, acupuncture has no side effects. Acupuncture is a safe treatment for all headaches. Depending on the location, type, and trigger of the headache, small acupuncture needles are placed accordingly. The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as one of the most natural way to ease pain and relieve stress.
If you have any questions about acupuncture, feel free to contact Anna. annatotzke@gmail.com
by Anna Totzke, Registered Acupuncturist
Most women at some point during their lives struggle with Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS). The symptoms usually appear around 7-10 before the menstrual period is due and disappear when the period arrives. Some women have mild symptoms that they barely notice while others feel a huge change that can have a negative impact during that phase of the menstrual cycle.
PMS Symptoms vary from:
Breast tenderness/swelling
Mood changes – anger, frustration, weepiness, Anxiety, Depression
Bloating
Food cravings/Increase in appetite
Cramping
Headaches
Fatigue
Muscle stiffness/pain
PMS is a sign that your body’s energy is out of balance. Acupuncture can help bring the body back into balance and can relieve PMS symptoms. Acupuncture also helps with stress, and calming your mind.
Please contact Anna if you have any questions: annatotzke@gmail.com.
By Anna Totzke, Registered Acupuncturist
It is quite common for Acupuncture clients to feel a little nervous before receiving their first acupuncture treatment. What I always find though is that by the end of the treatment people are always pleasantly surprised by how good and relaxed they feel.
What happens during an acupuncture treatment?
During your first appointment, we will go over your Initial Intake Form. (The Intake form is very long but it paints a picture of your system and helps me come up with a custom treatment plan for you). I will look at your tongue and feel your pulses on your wrist (this also helps come up with a Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis).
The acupuncture needles are ultra-thin (hair thin), sterile, disposable needles. They are gently inserted and generally feel like a mosquito bite as they are inserted. They are quite comfortable when they are inserted. The treatment itself can last between 20-30 minutes. It is at this point people take a nap, meditate, or just relax (and this is easy to do during an acupuncture treatment!)
In most cases people feel quite relaxed, in a calm zone while other people feel more energized following an acupuncture treatment.
A series of acupuncture are generally recommended depending on your main complaint and other factors.
Please let Anna know if you have any questions (annatotzke@gmail.com).
Acupuncture is only one type of treatment that can be used on its own or in combination with acupressure, cupping therapy, or moxibustion.
564-572 Weber Street North, Unit 3A Waterloo, Ontario N2L5C6
