According to Chinese beliefs, winter is ‘yin’- associated with rest, responsiveness, passivity, darkness, inwardness, tranquility and quiescence. Yang is its opposite, representing brightness, activity, movement, excitement, light and dynamic potential. We need a balance to keep us well, healthy and happy, so although this season may be predominantly ‘yin’ time, we need some yang to function well – otherwise we wouldn’t make it out of bed at all!
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As the year draws to an end and I am thinking about beginnings I am keen to consider the needs of those patients whom are trying to have a baby. “It’s like a game of snakes and ladders”, claims one patient describing her monthly disappointment that she’s not pregnant. Acupuncture is becoming increasingly popular with those whom are interested in promoting their fertility. There has been lots of press coverage about acupuncture being used to help couples trying to conceive. Research suggests that acupuncture can help with a variety of gynecological conditions such as painful periods, endometriosis, polycystic ovaries, amenorrhea (having no periods e.g. after coming off the pill) and with IVF. I currently treat women and their partners for all these issues and have had some encouraging results.
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Hatha Yoga is a combination of gentle exercise, breathing and relaxation technique, which promotes a feeling of well-being.
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Melanie Allen, life coach, considers the importance of balancing Yin and Yang in your New Year resolutions, thereby promoting a balanced, healthy you for 2007.
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Results of a new study from New Zealand measuring outcomes of midwives using acupuncture on pregnant women.
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