Atma Acupuncture

That’s a wrap for the year! Thank you to all my beautiful patients and colleagues for a wonderful year. It’s been a pleasure to work with you and support you in achieving your health goals.

I will be taking a short break and will be spending the long summer days with family and friends, basking in the sunshine on the beach, reading books, surfing, hiking and resting.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!
Atma will reopen on the 8th Jan 2024 and will be open the following days:

Tuesdays 9-6
Thursdays 9-6
Fridays 9-1

Take care and enjoy a well deserved rest!

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOU’RE OVULATING?

I ask my my patients this question all the time! We are often told that ovulation occurs on day 14 of the menstrual cycle. However, this is rarely the case. So I thought I’d share a few tips about ovulation and some key signs to look out for so that you can better understand your own cycle.

In the lead up to ovulation, oestrogen is abundant. This triggers a surge in LH which stimulates the follicle to release an egg and secrete progesterone. In Chinese medicine, we describe this process as the transformation from Yin to Yang in the menstrual cycle.

The eb and flow of hormones in the lead up and during ovulation can be reflected as physical changes in the body. These signs can be useful tools if you are trying to conceive, seeking a natural method of contraception or if you’re wanting to deepen your understanding of your menstrual cycle.

Here is what to look out for!
1. Changes to cervical fluid - Clear, stretchy, va**nal discharge is secreted in the days leading up to ovulation. You might feel more “wet” or notice a slippery sensation when wiping.

2. A rise in your BBT - An increase in basal body temperature of 0.3 degrees for at least 3 consecutive days indicates ovulation has occurred. The day of ovulation is the temperature before the rise.

3. Changes to the shape, position and texture of the cervix - the cervix is softer on palpation and sits higher in the va**na. This is due to the tightening of the ligaments around the uterus in response to the peak in oestrogen

4. Increased libido - the surge in oestrogen may increase libido in the lead up to ovulation

5. Abdominal discomfort - some people feel one sided low abdominal twinging or cramping as the egg is released during ovulation.

6. Other signs - the fluctuation of hormones around ovulation may give rise to sensitive ni***es, tender breasts, bloating, mood changes, headaches.

If you’re seeking support with your menstrual cycle or planning on starting a family, I am here to help you.

Sleep is one of the four primary pillars to maintaining our health and vitality. Others include movement/ exercise, healthy diet and the ability to regulate our thoughts and emotions.

When we sleep, our body and mind are nourished and our yin is restored enabling function with more energy, vitality and clarity. Yet so many people are suffering from sleep deprivation and lack quality, restorative sleep which over a long period of time can lead to a cascade of physical, emotional and mental consequences.

So here are a few simple tips on how to improve your quality of sleep!

1. Put the electronic devices away! Despite this being the modern day approach to winding down and relaxing, it is hyper stimulating for the mind and body and is not conducive to quality sleep.

2. Allow several hours between eating dinner and going to sleep. Going to bed with a full belly can injure the digestive system and fragment our sleep.

3. Soaking the feet in hot water helps to draw the energy down away from head, settle a hyperactive mind and promote relaxation before sleep.

4. Regular exercise places extra demand on the body and helps the body and mind to fatigue.

5. Nose breathing whilst sleeping can help to reduce snoring and sleep apnoea and reduce interruptions whilst sleeping.

6. Best to air out the bedroom during the day then close windows at night, especially if it’s cold! When we sleep, our energy moves inward away from the exterior of the body which leaves the exterior of our body vulnerable to the cold and wind.

7. Foetal position is recommended for a sound sleep.

8. Book in for an acupuncture treatment! Acupuncture can help to settle the nervous system, promote a calm state of mind and improve quality of sleep.