Posts In: acupuncture

There are so many messages that our society sends women about their bodies and how they should look and perhaps one of the most vulnerable times to hear these messages is when you’ve just had a baby. Case in point, just recently a reviewer on Yoga One’s yelp page wrote about leaving class because the teacher was out of shape and therefore couldn’t be an experienced teacher. The reviewer had never been to the studio before. That teacher happens to have over a decade of experience and a beautiful six month old.

Help us share real stories like this one and support all individuals in their journey to lead happier and healthier lives. We want to hear your experiences with body image and/or postpartum recovery in the comments or by email (info@yogaonesandiego.com). If you’ve taken class at Yoga One, please consider posting your feedback online, Facebook, Yelp, Google, etc., we’d love to hear your thoughts! 

Part three in a series of reflections on pregnancy, childbirth and yoga from Missy DiDonato. Be sure to read her prenatal article and a just-after postpartum article.

guest post by Missy DiDonato

One year later (damn, already?!) I can say this about postpartum recovery and overall wellness – it’s not for sissies! 

Before giving birth, I had expected that my body would go back to what I still considered “normal.” I wouldn’t have the aches and pains I’d experienced during pregnancy and I assumed that with some time and effort, I would eventually be the same size and weight as before. But I was naïve to how long it would actually take and I had to adjust my expectations.

I had a cesarean and they cut my stomach muscles to deliver my baby. Abrupt, I know, but I needed to say those words to myself in order to process the experience. The initial weeks of recovery and healing from the c-section were easier than I anticipated and I was able to get back on my mat practicing yoga after just six weeks. I took it slow and thought that by allowing myself enough time to heal, my body would go back to the way it was pre-baby. But a year later, I’m still struggling with both the expectation and physical experience of “getting my body back.”

My biggest setback physically is the ongoing work of mending and strengthening my abdominal muscles. Their lack of stability often causes acute low back pain. I’m constantly reminding myself to get up after sitting for too long (an epidemic really, among anyone who sits too long at their desk or in a car.) I’ve had a couple of debilitating moments where I had to seek medical treatment with acupuncture and massage. This, coupled with proper yoga asanas to strengthen my ab muscles and stretch my hips and hamstrings, has kept the pain at bay. But sometimes I feel as though this pain will be a consistent reminder of what my body miraculously performed.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t feel bad about my body. It’s given me a healthy baby girl and for that, I am forever grateful. I do get bummed when I realize my belly is no longer the adorable object of affection.

Just as my body had to make space for the experience of carrying a life, my postprtum body needed time to adjust to a new version of life with different activities, patterns and eating habits. It’s been a challenge to fit healthy eating into a much busier day to day life. Making time for workouts and time for me often falls by the wayside simply because I miss her. So we take more walks and do yoga in the park. 

My priority is Olive and I remind myself that I have to be physically and spiritually strong to care for her like she deserves. My physical appearance is no longer my top concern, but the health of my body matters.

If I could say one thing to new moms, it’s that adjusting to your new schedule will be difficult, but remember that you gave birth, and that’s not for sissies! You got this!

 

Missy DiDonato
Guest Writer

Missy began practicing yoga at home when she was fourteen, following along to a DVD in her living room. She has since completed two separate 200 hour Yoga Teacher Trainings with UCSD and Yoga One. Missy loves helping others find their own yogic path and students of all levels appreciate her warm and friendly teaching style.

Don’t get your yoga pants in a bunch!

It doesn’t matter where you practice, east coast or west, we all know that people who practice yoga are happier and healthier (and dare we say it?) cooler than the general population. Namaste, yo!

Book a private session or come to our Community Acupuncture sessions on Wednesday afternoons from 3-5pm. (Last appointment available is 4:30pm, treatments last 30-45 minutes, cost: $20.) Check out our Acupuncture FAQ for more information on this incredible healing modality.

1. Why did you decide to become an acupuncturist?

My undergraduate major was Athletic Training, which dealt with injuries and their related examination, assessment, and physical interventions – basically, injury rehabilitation. After I graduated, I worked as a personal trainer for three years while I was figuring out what my next step was and that’s when acupuncture found me, in a way.

In the span of three months, I met over a dozen people who were graduates or current students at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. One was the mother of a close friend; a girl from a weekend workshop; three students in a Mandarin class I was taking at a Buddhist temple (because “why not?”) and several other friends of friends.

As soon as I enrolled in the 11 semester master’s program, I knew that I was in the right place. Through my education and beginning my practice, I have been able to see the beautiful and profound way that acupuncture can change lives. I get to help people, day in and day out, and that’s why I became an acupuncturist.

2. What benefits have you or your clients received from regular acupuncture treatments?

Every patient has a different treatment plan and set of goals, but there are several things that most patients will experience with regular acupuncture treatments. There is an overall sense of calm, relaxation, and de-stress that comes from acupuncture – it is felt during and after a session, and can carry on into the rest of the week.

Whether it is headaches, back pain, muscle soreness, or menstrual cramps, most patients notice an alleviation of pain in their body. Acupuncture can improve digestion and establish greater regularity of bowel movements, especially the morning after a treatment.

Many patients experience improved sleep patterns: falling asleep easier, staying asleep longer, and waking feeling more refreshed. Better sleep often leads to more energy and a greater ability to “get everything accomplished” on a day-to-day basis. There is often a more clear sense of mental clarity and ability to focus at work and at home.

Overall, every patient gets up off the table and walks out, “feeling really, really good right now.”

3. Describe what acupuncture means in your life using just 6 words: My purpose in helping other people.

4. Something interesting your clients might not know about you is:

I have been an athlete all my life, through several sports and many different acute and chronic injuries. I’m grateful to combine my personal experience with an acupuncturist’s extensive, detailed knowledge of the body in order to better treat patients experiencing pain, injuries or other physical ailments.

5. What would you say to encourage someone who has never tried acupuncture?

For starters, acupuncture is safe. The FDA approved acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners in 1996, and requires that sterile, single-use needles be used only by qualified practitioners. To become an acupuncturist, one must attend an accredited Acupuncture college (3000-4000 hours of study – approximately 4 years, full time study) and pass a licensing exam which includes standards of hygiene, clean needle technique, and anatomical knowledge.

Acupuncture doesn’t hurt. Receiving an acupuncture treatment is nothing like getting a shot or having blood taken. An acupuncture needle varies in diameter from 0.16 mm to 0.46 mm, which is just a fraction of the thickness of a typical hypodermic needle. You may feel a slight prick as the needle enters the skin, but there shouldn’t be an residual discomfort.

You can be a skeptic! In fact, I more than welcome hearing your questions and doubts – acupuncture doesn’t require belief for efficacy. The modern study and practice of acupuncture combines thousands of years of empirical knowledge about how to treat the body with western medicine’s current understanding of how the body works and functions. And acupuncture does work!

Yoga One offers acupuncture! Award-winning Yoga One has been honored to enhance the well-being of individuals since 2002.

Our goal is to help as many people as possible live happier and healthier lives. To this end, Yoga One provides traditional group yoga classes, semi-private yoga experiences, corporate yoga classes, yoga teacher trainings, private instruction, meditation, massage therapy and acupuncture all in a positive, non-competitive environment.

 Click here to schedule an appointment.

This is Part 2 in the series, Acupuncture: Frequently Asked Questions, answered by expert licensed Acupuncturist and Massage Therapist, Jacintha “Jaz” Roemer. Read Part 1 here.

Often new acupuncture patients inquire about the needles used during treatment. Acupuncture needles are sterile, disposable and used only once and the risk of complications is very low. We at Yoga One Wellness will always work within your comfort zone and do our best to alleviate any stress you may have about acupuncture.

What if I am afraid of needles?

A reservation regarding needles is understandable, but rest assured, even people with needle phobias can receive acupuncture! The needles used in the treatment are very small. They are not the hollow hypodermic needles most of us are familiar with from Doctor visits. In addition, Yoga One Wellness therapists are trained in a variety of methods that can be used to help clients relax prior to treatment. Another option is not to get needled but to receive acupressure, or moxa, only.

Do the needles hurt?

As mentioned above: acupuncture needles are extremely thin, often about the thickness of a hair. While some people feel nothing at all, others experience a brief moment of discomfort as the needle penetrates the skin that can be followed by a mild sensation of cramping, tingling, numbness, traveling warmth, or heaviness. These are typically pleasant sensations, and most people find the experience extremely relaxing and even fall asleep for the duration of the treatment.

The needles can often bring relief to symptoms within minutes, a few hours or a few days, depending on the state of your body. It is not uncommon to experience some soreness post-treatment. This usually indicates that the body is healing through the movement of qi that occurs during an acupuncture treatment.

Have a question about acupuncture, massage or bodywork you want answered by an expert? Submit it toinfo@yogaonesandiego.com with “Blog Question” in the subject line.

Jacintha ‘Jaz’ Roemer L.Ac. is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Licensed Massage Therapist. She is a graduate of the Master of Science and Oriental Medicine (MSTOM) program from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Jaz is the Head Coordinator for the Yoga One Wellness Center. She has been a bodyworker since 2005 and has traveled to both Thailand and China to further her studies in Asian medicine.

Hi there!

Whether it’s your first time visiting our site or your hundredth, thank you. You, our readers, infuse our effort, words and messages we promote each week with greater purpose and meaning. If you haven’t already, please sign up to follow our blog and like us on Facebook.

Yoga One Blog has come such a long way from its humble beginnings back in October of 2011. The original vision for the blog was to provide a place for Yoga One students to receive information about the studio and participate in a wider discussion about yoga and wellness.

We’re expanding our scope this year to include a more diverse and engaging community of yogis and wellness experts, all of whom care about fostering greater happiness and well-being for individuals and the global community.

Here’s a roundup of the biggest changes in the past year:

• We’ve continued to bring you incredible stories of personal transformation through yoga like Kim’s struggle to overcome a diagnosis of paralysis and Laurie’s inspiring goal of running a marathon in all 50 states!
• Music + Art has expanded to include instructor playlists so you can recapture that yoga mood at home and bookmark your favorite song. We’re working to update old posts with an embedded Spotify playlist so you can listen right from our page, stay tuned!
• Massage + Acupuncture is brand new to the site and complements our vision of expanding into all areas of wellness. We’ll feature interviews with therapists and clients, tips on how to get the most out of your experience and more.

Like a real two year old, we’ll experience both growing pains and big growth spurts this next year and we can’t wait to see what the future holds!

Finally, it wouldn’t be a birthday party without a celebration and presents – we’ll be hosting a Wellness Block Party at Yoga One in San Diego, CA on November 9th at 7pm, please say you’ll come! And for all of our geographically far-flung friends, we’ll be hosting an online giveaway – check back next week for details!

Peace, Love & Light,

Laura and All of Us at Yoga One

Yoga One offers acupuncture! Award-winning Yoga One has been honored to enhance the well-being of individuals since 2002. Our goal is to help as many people as possible live happier and healthier lives. To this end, Yoga One provides traditional group yoga classes, semi-private yoga experiences, corporate yoga classes, private instruction, meditation, massage therapy and acupuncture all in a positive, non-competitive environment. Click here to schedule an appointment.

Acupuncture: Frequently Asked Questions, will be answered by expert acupuncturist Jacintha “Jaz” Roemer. Check back next week for part 2 of this 4 part series.

Q: How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture is a holistic form of medicine that began about 3,500 years ago in China. Acupuncture as it is taught today is a conglomeration of knowledge from ancient texts to modern techniques. This is known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Treatments include techniques such as gua sha, cupping and moxibustion and Chinese herbal prescription.

Acupuncture itself is the insertion of very fine needles into the body at specific points. Qi (roughly translated as ‘energy’) circulates through channels and meridians within the body. If there is an imbalance of Yin and/or Yang by a pathogen, trauma, or injury, it will disrupt this circulation. There are approximately 360 acupuncture points located along these meridians; these points are where Qi rises to the surface and can be accessed for the purpose of healing.

The insertion and manipulation of the needle restores the flow of Qi in the body. Physical relief from acupuncture treatment is thought to be due to the body’s histamine reaction (an immune response) around the area of insertion, which diffuses accumulations in the tissue that cause stiffness and stagnation of blood flow.

Q: Is acupuncture safe?

Generally, acupuncture treatments are safe if a licensed and well-trained practitioner performs them. Unlike conventional drug therapies, it is relatively non-toxic with minimal side effects. Laws require that the needles used for acupuncture be sterile, disposable and used only once.

The acupuncture needles do penetrate the skin and therefore it is an invasive procedure. The risk of injury to vital nerves and structures are RARE among patients treated by trained practitioners. There may be nausea, paresthesia or altered sensation over the site of application, or increased pain. Other risks include minor adverse events including bleeding, bruising, dizziness, and fainting.

Q: How should I prepare for an acupuncture treatment?

Please eat within a few hours of your appointment. If possible, wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid wearing heavy scents. For your first visit please allow 20 minutes ahead of your scheduled appointment to fill out the medical history paperwork OR request the forms to fill out in advance.

If your practitioner feels it is necessary to have access to a clothed area, you will either wear a paper gown, like at a Doctor’s office or a towel will be provided to keep you draped and appropriately covered so you feel comfortable and safe.

Q: How long does each session last?

Your first session is usually an hour and a half. This is to allow time for the practitioner to review your health history and ask follow-up questions that will allow them to provide the best treatment specifically for you.

Follow up treatments are typically one hour long. At this point, the practitioner is familiar with your health concerns and is able to spend more time treating you on the table.

 

Have a question about acupuncture, massage or bodywork you want answered by an expert? Submit it to info@yogaonesandiego.com with “Blog Question” in the subject line.

Jacintha ‘Jaz’ Roemer L.Ac. is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Licensed Massage Therapist. She is a graduate of the Master of Science and Oriental Medicine (MSTOM) program from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Jaz is the Head Coordinator for the Yoga One Wellness Center. She has been a bodyworker since 2005 and has traveled to both Thailand and China to further her studies in Asian medicine.

Yoga One offers a variety of massage modalities to meet your individual needs – as if you needed more incentive to relinquish tension and increase vitality! Let the magic hands (and elbows) of professional massage therapist Fawn Rangel get you back to your best self. But keep an eye on your shoes!

 

1. Why did you decide to become a massage therapist?

I became a massage therapist because I like to see transformation. People often come in to their session burdened with stress and muscular pain. After the massage, their stress has unraveled, their muscles have unfurled and they have rosy cheeks with a bit of a glow about them. The client leaves feeling better, less weighed down by daily stress and more in tune with his or her true self. I love being a part of that process! I also like that the transformation is simple; it doesn’t require special equipment or fancy gadgets, just my hands, an elbow here or there, and a little nurturing attention

2. What benefits have you or your clients received from regular massage therapy?

The benefits of massage are vast. Most clients report a significant reduction of stress and pain, increased energy, improved range of motion (especially in the neck and hips), and improved quality of sleep. Some clients say they leave a session feeling taller and more structurally aligned. Others have experienced less sinus congestion and fewer headaches.

3. Do you have a favorite type of massage? 

Personally, I really like to receive Thai Massage. It’s very grounding because you’re on a mat so you’re closer to the earth. It implements a soothing rocking sensation and gently stretches the body. When I give massage, I like to mix modalities. I primarily use circulatory massage with a little acupressure, deep tissue, TuiNa (Chinese medical massage), and table stretching.

4. Something interesting your clients might not know about you is:

I went to acupuncture school and am in the process of getting licensed. I also am crafty and like to make jewelry and paint on shoes.

5. What’s the best advice you give for how to really enjoy a massage?

I think it’s important to allow yourself a little down time after a massage. Some rush right back to work or even workout after a session, and that can really halt the benefits of massage.

Communication with your therapist is also vital. Don’t be shy! Feel free to tell your therapist the areas of your body you want them to focus on before the session starts. Let your therapist know when you want him/her to apply more or less pressure.

Did you know that Yoga One offers a range of massage therapy treatments as well as acupuncture? Massage and acupuncture are useful for treating many different types of ailments and injuries and best of all – regular massage therapy promises enduring relief.

Keep reading to meet one of our amazing massage therapists, Jaz, and learn why she believes you should include massage in your self-care program instead of treating it as a luxury.

1. Why did you decide to become a massage therapist?

I grew up on a farm in the midwest and spent a lot of time taking care of animals. Eventually that transitioned into people, I was always massaging friends and family. Often the would say to me, “you’re really good at this, you should be a professional.” At the time, to me, it seemed like a ridiculous career. Where I grew up “New Age-y” concepts were often mocked and attracted negative attention. But when I moved to Minneapolis for college, I met a more supportive community that encouraged me to explore massage and meditation.

My introduction to bodywork was an elective course called BodyMind Centering. It changed my life and the way that I lived in and perceived my body. During this time, however, I wanted to be a painter and was pursuing a Bachelors in Art. When I finished my undergrad, I knew I needed a skill that I could do anywhere in the world. I had considered massage but I was sure I was going to become an American Sign Language interpreter. When I went to the community college to register, all the classes were full for an entire year! I didn’t want to wait that long, so that very same day I went to the local massage school and signed up for classes.

2. What benefits have you or your clients received from regular massage therapy?

Many people have the idea that massage is only a luxury. And yes, it certainly can be, but what those people don’t realize is that massage can be utilized as a way to maintain health, prevent disease and decrease stress. Regular massage clients are less likely to get sick, go to the doctor less frequently and report fewer feelings of stress. Massage is also especially beneficial for anyone with an injury such as a strained shoulder, twisted ankle or sciatic nerve pain. I often hear that their sleep has improved or that pain is forgotten about the next day.

For me personally, massage always makes me feel human again. When I experience massages, I think to myself: Oh yeah, THIS is how I make other people feel. It always reminds me why I do bodywork and how profound something as simple as touch can be.

3. Do you have a favorite type of massage? 

My favorite type of massage to give is Chi Nei Tsang. It is an ancient Chinese abdominal massage that has been around for thousands of years. The Taoist monks would meditate for hours in their temples in the mountains yet still they had digestive issues. Over time they started exploring ways to help them feel better by rubbing each other’s bellies, eventually it evolved into this very massage.

Chi Nei Tsang (pronounced Chee Nay Song) was kept secret for a very long time and only in the last 30 or so years has it been revealed to the public. Not only does it address digestion and elimination issues, it confronts emotions as well. As a culture, we are not given appropriate tools to cope with many of the daily emotions we experience. The imbalance of these unexpressed emotions often causes disharmonies in the organs, or vice versa. This massage includes breathing techniques and visualizations to “transform negative energy into positive vitality.” These are tools a client can take home with them to use in their daily lives. I feel that this massage empowers people to transform their bodies into healthy, balanced beings.

4. Something interesting your clients might not know about you is:

In 2008 I spent seven weeks in Thailand studying with Taoist Master Mantak Chia in the city of Chaing Mai. I completed a four week teacher training course and certified as a Chi Nei Tsang practitioner.

5. What’s the best advice you give for how to really enjoy a massage?

Communication. Don’t be shy! Tell your massage therapist what you want. This is your massage and it should feel good to you. A massage therapist can easily modify to meet your needs, it should not be painful. There may be occasional discomfort, but it should not last the entire massage. Talk to your therapist about pressure, sensations you experience or something you’d like repeated or avoided. Also, breathe! I often find clients are holding their breath. Coming back to your breath helps bring you to a place of peace and enjoyment.

I first came to Yoga One about a year ago when Sarah Clark invited me to class. I had tried a number of studios around San Diego but none of them compared to the warmth of Yoga One’s instructors and the studio’s beautiful skylights. In the winter, I love opening my eyes during class to see the city lights pouring in and candlelight illuminating the studio.

At the time, I was running 5Ks, 10Ks and half marathons so I only came to class once or twice a week because yoga was great cross training. In March, I ran the inaugural San Diego Half Marathon and as I headed up the Washington Street hill in mile nine, I felt a sharp shooting pain in my right knee. I walked to the top of the hill, holding my knee the whole way. When I tried to run again I thought my knee would break in half – the pain was excruciating. My running partner wanted me to stop at a medical tent, but I walked the last 3.2 miles and crossed the finish line.

The next day I made an appointment with the doctor but limped into one more yoga class first. It was the most painful and upsetting practice I’d ever experienced and I left wondering if I’d ever be able to do yoga again.

The doctor diagnosed me with chondromalacia, restricted me from physical activity and sent me to physical therapy. I contacted Michael Caldwell about my membership at Yoga One and he kindly put it on hold and gave me some passes to come back when I could. I was heartbroken. I couldn’t do any of the things I usually do: no more hiking with my dog on our neighborhood trails, I missed a 5K I’d already registered for, I couldn’t exercise the dogs at the Humane Society where I volunteer and no more yoga.

While I was recovering and feeling sorry for myself, Michael emailed me twice to let me know that my Yoga One family was thinking of me and sending me kind thoughts, I was so touched! After months of physical therapy and acupuncture, I was finally able to walk without pain and I begged my physical therapist to let me do some physical activity so she released me to try yoga. In early June, I returned to the studio and was welcomed back with open arms; it felt like coming home after a vacation. I eased back into my practice with one class a week and started feeling stronger both physically and mentally.

Every time I came to class I passed by the Summer Challenge board outside the Nook. It was filled from top to bottom with the names of students trying to complete 52 classes from June until the end of August and I kept thinking, “I wish I could do that.” By the end of the month, I was wondering why I couldn’t and the next time I came to class, I saw that someone had erased their name from the board. I thought, “I can do it! That spot was meant for me!” and I wrote my name in the blank space.

Over July and August I evolved from taking just Sarah’s class to getting hooked on Jen’s rooftop class, Michael’s core craziness and the bliss of Mondays with Amy as the heart of my practice. I attended a class with almost every instructor and I’m amazed at how unique, fun and talented they all are and how I always learn something new. The Summer Challenge also gave me the opportunity to get to know my classmates better and I love seeing my new yoga friends around the studio. I finished my 52nd class on August 28th, three days ahead of the deadline and it was such an amazing feeling, even better than finishing a half marathon!

My body continues to heal and my yoga practice is with me every step along the way. Even though I need to modify poses during class, my practice doesn’t cause me pain – in fact, it makes me feel fantastic. I look forward to every class and I’m even excited to get out of bed early for yoga on weekends and holidays; whereas before I sometimes had the “ugh, I have to run today” feeling. I feel invigorated during my practice, usually get a good giggle or two in and feel calm, centered and refreshed afterwards.

I’m so thankful to have found Yoga One and I’m truly a better person for having this community and yoga in my life!  

Xoxo,
Penny