Most babies will turn head down by 32 weeks gestation. However, if at your 32 weeks or 34 weeks check-up baby is not head down, your midwife will discuss a few options with you for you to consider and one of them is moxa treatment for breech turn. 
What is moxa?
Moxibustion or moxa for short is a form of treatment which involves using the heat from a moxa stick. This cigar looking stick contains mugwort herb which has been compressed and shaped into a stick. The type of moxa stick commonly used in the practice is the smokeless type which is mugwort in a black charcoal stick. 
When mugwort is burned in this way the heat it produces is extremely high allowing the mugwort oil which is volatile to enter the meridian and stimulate the acupuncture point. For breech turn, Bladder 67 also called Reaching Yin which is found at the corner of your pinky toe is stimulated with the heat from the moxa stick. When Bladder 67 is stimulated it stimulates the production of maternal hormones such as placental oestrogens and prostaglandin which in turn encourages the lining of the womb to contract which eventually encourages baby to move. From a Chinese Medicine perspective, stimulating Bladder 67 encourages the body to gently move into the yang phase and it is the yang that encourages baby to turn head down.  
When considering moxa for breech turn the length, duration and frequency of treatment make all the difference. There are also some contraindications to consider as moxa treatment is not recommended in some cases. It is important to schedule an appointment where you will be properly assessed and get all the instructions on how to use moxa safely and all the extra information which often makes a difference. 

As of May 11th, the practice doors will open again. To ensure I am working within the guidelines as set out by the Ministry of Health RIVM and my professional organisation NVA, I have put the following new measures in place:
* the appointment times has been spread out so clients do not encounter each other in the waiting area
* Before the appointment you will receive a questionnaire to facilitate triage
*In the waiting area as well as in the treatment room, we will respect the 1,5 metre distance. Only exception will be the brief time during the actual treatment. We will avoid verbal communication when in close contact.
*Leave unnecessary items home. Please bring with you only a small handbag for your personal items.
*Please bring with you two large clean towels.
*Come on time for your appointment. Not too early to avoid crowding in the waiting area.
*Hand washing is a must. Alcohol gel will be supplied for you to disinfect your hands as you come in
*No hand shaking 
*Try to minimize contact with surfaces at the practice most importantly door handle to the treatment room.
*Refrain from using the toilet unless absolutely necessary. If you have used the toilet, please let us know so we can clean it.
*Please come alone. Exception for children younger than 16, they can come with an accompanying parent.
*Before every consultation, I will wash my hands and/or disinfect with alcohol gel
*I may or may not wear mask and gloves. This will depend if I feel it is necessary
*Between each consultation, the room will be well ventilated and the massage table including surfaces around the massage table will be disinfected.
*If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, please stay at home. You can call to cancel. There will be no charge. 
Symptoms to be aware of:
Cold, sneezing, coughing and flu like symptoms
Runny nose
Sore throat
Loss of smell or taste
Mild pyrexia to fever- Any rise in body temperature from 37 to higher than 38
Short of breath
Fatigue ( new symptom for you)
Headache (new symptom for you)
Conjunctivitis/Eyes are red or inflamed
Motion sickness and/or diarrhea
*Please be aware despite taking all these measures; there is still a risk of being exposed to the virus
 

My fertility support service Fertile Ova was as a result of my clients telling me how my sessions are so much more than just needles. I started working on a coaching plan a couple of years ago but I lacked focus as the practice was too busy and needed my complete attention
During the self-isolation period, catching up with my clients who are trying to conceive made me realized how much the emotional support is needed even though our regular sessions were on hold. Now with the practice closed, I was able to give the fertility coaching service the focus it needed and created a service which include the wisdom of Chinese medicine and coaching principles. 
What does it involve in a nutshell:
If you have been trying to conceive for a long time or going through fertility treatment, you may feel alone,and your stress and anxiety level may be high. The focus of the sessions is to support you emotionally, reduce stress and anxiety as well as giving you practical tools during your fertility journey.
We do this by assessing your body's constitution and taking a fertility health history. We use a detailed questionnaire to determine which foods and measures will work best for you. You receive visualizations, affirmations as well as meditation audios to work with at home. We schedule regular follow ups to monitor your progress. There are several packages to choose from depending on your individual needs and budget.

The infographic illustrates Fertile Ova, my brand new service dedicated to helping you find balance and joy on your baby making journey.  Fertile Ova deserves its very own website and you can visit it here

Dysmenorrhea or painful menstruation (periods) is a common health issue among not only young adolescents but women well into their adulthood. Abdominal cramps, back pain and nausea are some of the symptoms associated with dysmenorrhea.
The use of rosebuds is a well-known herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine.  It can be used as tea to reduce painful menstruation. It is simple and effective for most women and it can be used in conjunction with acupuncture and Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage) to support the treatment.
Some of the benefits of rosebuds tea:
Improves blood circulation
Relieves menstrual cramps/ pain
Maintain womb health
Rich in vitamin C
Improves digestion
Excellent for the skin which is an added bonus
 
Tea Time! Making the perfect cuppa
Use organic rosebuds.
Put a few rosebuds in a small teapot. I use around 6 to 8 rosebuds
Boil some water. Wait a few seconds before pouring it onto the rosebuds.
Let it steep for about 15 to 20 minutes
Drink about two small cups a day
 
Relaxing Rose Tea Bath
You can use the tea in a warm bath. Make the tea as described above and add the tea to your bath water.
Its pleasant aroma is both relaxing and calming.

You can buy loose organic rosebuds tea from various tea specialists. In the Netherlands you can buy online from:
www.dekoffiethuiswinkel.nl
www.amanvida.eu

Tui Na is an effective therapeutic massage. It can be used to treat a number of gynaecological conditions such as irregular menstruation, premenstrual tension (PMT), fibroids, infertility and menopausal ailments. 

Tui Na is one of the four main branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It dates back to 3000BC and is still a popular form of massage therapy in China today. Tui Na has the ability to invigorate and promote the flow of Qi and Blood, dispel pathogenic factors, strengthen the body's immune system, balance Yin and Yang to prevent or alleviate ailments. Other benefits include facilitating movements of joints as well as promoting relaxation by calming the mind.

In treating gynaecological conditions, the treatment involves abdominal release work to resolve disharmony, release knotted fascia and congestion. This therapeutic massage helps to improve blood circulation as well as the smooth flow of Qi in the meridians. It greatly benefits the womb and strengthen Kidney Yin and Kidney Yang.

Tui Na is a valuable treatment in the postpartum period to help the body recover faster.
Different techniques are used not only to tonify the body but to help with relaxation by reducing stress, anxiety and fatigue which are common in the weeks and months following birth. Many women who have experienced this type of therapeutic massage in my practice have reported feeling less stress and less fatigue and having more energy.

I find Tui Na to be an excellent therapy in my work supporting women; whether it is dealing with gynaecological problems or recovering post birth, this therapeutic massage works on different levels to alleviate ailments and promote wellness.

I am very happy to be able to offer this wonderful therapy to all my clients. To find out more and how I can support you with Tui Na, please send an email to [email protected] or call 0616538948

In my practice, I meet many new mums who are looking for natural ways to support their recovery after birth.
Acupuncture and moxa therapy are excellent ways to boost your health and well-being after having a baby.
However, this is not enough. What you eat and what you choose to put in your body is crucial. Health starts with healthy choices. Nourishing food is essential for a postpartum mama. In a nutshell, I recommend foods which are warming and easy to digest. Warming foods are great as your body has lost a lot of blood and you are more prone to cold pathogenic factors. Easy to digest foods put less strain on your postpartum body. This is a very quick explanation, if you would like to know more about how you can support your body, please book your free 20 minute postpartum consultation. I  am more than happy to answer your questions and guide you to full recovery. You don't have to wait till you have your baby to make an appointment. 
I have a list of foods and easy recipes which I give out to postpartum mothers as I believe food is medicine and if we want to achieve optimal health, we need to be wise about food.

Here is a quick easy breakfast recipe which is both nourishing and easy to digest for you to enjoy:

Quinoa with blueberries and chopped almonds

1 or 2 cups of quinoa
Handful of blueberries
Handful of chopped almonds
½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder
Rice milk or organic milk to serve
Drizzle of honey if desired
Wash quinoa and cook as directed on packaging
Once cooked, put the quinoa in your favorite bowl. Mix in the cinnamon powder well before drizzling some milk over the top.
Add the blueberries and chopped almonds.  Add a tiny bit of  honey  if desired

​Enjoy!

From 35 weeks, the weekly treatments are focused on preparing the mother for birth. Studies have shown that weekly acupuncture treatment help with the softening of the cervix, relaxes uterine ligaments, increases optimal positioning of the baby, promotes efficient uterine contractions during birth, and increases stamina. pre birth treatment must not be confused with labour induction. they are two very different treatments. birth preparation with acupuncture focuses not only on preparing the body physically for birth but preparing emotionally for the birth as well.
In a 2004 study (betts & lennox), it was found that there was an overall 35% reduction in the number of inductions and for first time mothers this was a 43% reduction in the number requiring an induction. There was a further 31% reduction in the use of epidural and a further 32% reduction in emergency caesarean. Acupuncture during pregnancy is safe for both mothers and babies. Recent studies have shown that there are no complications associated with the use of acupuncture during pregnancy. 

In my practice, women who have received pre birth treatments have reported a smooth labour with no complications and a faster recovery post birth. 

For more information about pre birth treatment and to schedule an appointment, please contact me here