the Point is… Menopause: Foods to support YOU

Menopause is a signal of the stage of the winter of life.  Winter emphasizes a quietness, reflection, inner perception.  For many winter is magic that is perceived after a snow fall.  The world is encompassed in calm and silence.  How often in our busy, demanding lives do we get reminders of stillness.

It is not to be missed in life.  We don’t have to live where it is cold to experience the quietness, reflection, perception and magic.  All we have to do is let this life era of menopause lead the way for us.

Some people really dislike winter, or hate it.  Others relish it and miss it during mild winters.  In life, if we are fortunate to live long enough we do enter the winter season of life.  It can be intimidating for sure.  There are supports around you to hold you up and be stronger than ever.

Acupuncture is a thousands year old medical practice that can support you wonderfully as you go through menopause.  It helped me tremendously.  My acupuncture practice treating women  is a huge support to them as they travel the unknown path of menopause.  It can help cut down or stop night sweats, hot flashes, aches and pains, emotional ups and downs.  I will be happy to help you find a practitioner close to you.

Or ask friends and family for referrals.  The relationship between you and your practitioner is important so call at least 3 people to see who you are most at ease with.  Other posts have more details about your first appointment and how acupuncture works.  Feel free to contact me with any questions.

in the winter season we drink and eat warming foods and beverages.  We just tend to do things differently on a daily basis during winter than we do in summer.  That is often the case too in climates where it stays warm.  I lived in south Florida for eight years and observed this. 

During our winter season of life we can help ourselves by doing things differently now than when we were younger.  This post gives you some foods, herbs and teas you can use to make your experience of menopause more comfortable.  Possibly this can be one of the best eras of your life.  It really is what we make of it, isn’t it?

• Night sweat tea:  This is simple.  Steep basil for 10-20 minutes each evening and drink it.
• Night sweat tea:  Steep sage for 10-20 minutes each evening then enjoy your cup of tea.  You can add mugwort in equal parts if you like.
• Woohoo.  Raise sexual libido +rejuvenation+B vitamin and minerals: Make a ginseng tea.  Again, simple.
• Natural estrogenic:  Beer with hops.  It is the hops that acts as a natural estrogenic.  So, have some beer with hops, then hop into bed (or whatever) for some good sex.
• Sooth aches and pains:  Balm of Gilead is from the North American poplar tree.  It contains salicin which gives it properties similar to aspirin without upsetting your stomach. You may have to order this online. 
• Natural estrogenic:  Calendula, hops, ginseng, sage, wild yam. Include the herbs and foods listed here and just below into your food regimen.
• Natural estrogen-stimulators:  rhubarb, tofu, miso, oats, alfalfa, celery. 

There are lots of options to choose from to experience which options best supports your unique self.  You made it through childhood, school, work, relationships.  You will make it through this too.  Of course we’ve all had ups and downs, some of them huge.  But here you are.  Do the best you possibly can to be in charge of this era of life.  We deserve that.

Thank you for reading my blog.  I hope it is helpful and interesting.  If you have health issues you’d like me to address, let me know.  You can reach me at 301 352 2520 or colette@acYOUpointCenters.com.  I thank Martha White, author of Traditional Home Remedies.

the POINT is… Fertility Foot Soak–Ahhhhhh warm tootsies

We are moving from Winter to Spring.  The kidneys that are associated with the Winter season are important for successful conception.  Spring is about creating new life!  Both winter and spring are great seasons to address fertility. 

Cold feet can be an indication of a deficiency (tiredness) of the kidneys.  The kidneys are tied to our stamina at a deep level.  With all of the demands of everyday busy life it is not a surprise that women are tuckered out.  Let’s warm up those tootsies.

Soaking your feet for 10 to 20 minutes a day actually improves your circulation to the lower half of the body, where your reproductive organs reside.  So, it is not just about having warm feet.  In fact all of the channels of energy for the organs involved with conception and pregnancy run into the feet.  The channels of energy are called meridians. 

When you soak your feet the blood vessels of the lower half of the body dilate, expand, which increases the blood flow to the pelvic region and the organs there.  Adequate blood flow into your pelvic region is a must for conception to take place.  Your feet are soothed.  Women automatically relax when they soak their feet.  Your blood and qi (the energy that flows in the meridians) are all improved.

Soaking your feet a few minutes a day is powerful, easy, cost-free way to improve the possibility of successful conception. 

Thank you for reading my blog.  I hope it is helpful and beneficial. If you have specific health issues you’d like me to address, let me know.  You can reach me at 301 352 2520 and colette@acYOUpointCenters.com.  I thank Randine Lewis, PhD, author of The Infertility Cure.

the POINT is… Menopause: Your Natural Process (not punishment)

As we move from the season of Winter to Spring we can talk about a winter aspect of a woman’s life that can open up a new stage or era of creativity and strength.  The question of many women though with this stage of life is:  How do I get through this upheaval and misery?

Menopause is a process all women experience.  I’ve learned in my practice that when a physiological (body) cycle is universal, it is meant to be a comfortable experience.  Yes, there are changes and shifts at many levels, which are meant to happen.  Those changes can be relatively seamless if we are balanced from the inside out.

In the Spring of life for a girl/woman a natural progression is to start her menstrual cycle.  If a universal process like starting then having menstrual cycles are uncomfortable, it is a message from the body there is an imbalance–which can  be remedied.  The starting of the Winter of life can bring the body messages that the menstrual cycle is coming to a close.  That is natural.  It can be a comfortable experience.  It was for me and for many of the women I’ve treated in over a decade of practicing acupuncture. 

Estrogen was recognized by the Chinese thousands of years ago, only with a different name.  It was called Jing Qi.  They recognized it as part of our life force which we all receive at the time of conception.  You can think of it like a battery.  When it is charged there is more than enough energy for everything life brings.  A full battery more easily deals with the ups and downs of life that can include stress  and illness.  As we ”mature” our battery is not as full as in our youth. We may not like it, but that is a normal life progression.

This is a change in our body process requires adjustment by our organs.  They can become unbalanced more easily than in the past.  Signals of lowered or unbalanced jing qi can include:

• premature graying hair
• loss of libido
• weak knees
• urinary difficulty 
• poor memory
• backache
• fatigue

An imbalance of our internal cooling and heating system can lead to discomforts as well.  You may have heard of the terms Yin and Yang.  They are like the opposites of rest/active, cool/warm, night/day.  When these are out of balance women often experience uncomfortable extremes: 

• night sweats
• restlessness
• hot flashes
• mood swings
• heart palpitations
• insomnia
• water retention
• cold hands and feet
• weight gain (even though you are eating like you always have it seems)
• edema (swelling often around ankles)
• indigestion (gas, burping…)
• hypertension (high blood pressure)
• raised cholesterol levels

I was helped during menopause by acupuncture.  The process for me was hardly noticeable.  I am pretty much the same weight.  I didn’t drive my husband any more nuts that usual.  There were maybe 3 hot flashes over the years that really were quite interesting.  For me they felt like warm coals in my abdomen.  It was amazing sensation.  I actually enjoyed them.  They were noticeable for a few moments then dissipated. 

If you are miserable in menopause, or know that your mother was miserable when she menopause, I urge you to talk to a licensed acupuncture practitioner.  The more balanced you are from the inside out, the more comfortable the natural process of menopause can be for YOU. 

Acupuncture has treated millions of people over thousands of years.  Why not you (or a loved one)?  A licensed acupuncture professional will conduct a thorough evaluation and complete history before the first treatment.  We tend to spend a lot of time with our patients.  The acupuncturist will ask you lots of questions about your health such as how you sleep, about your digestion and many more.  The questions may seem odd, yet many people still look upon acupuncture as odd, so nothing is new.  Every question has a meaning and importance to understand as much about you as possible so you can be your best. 

After talking to you, your acupuncture practitioner may read your pulses:  6 on each wrist.  Observation of your skin tone, your voice are all important.  You may be asked to stick out your tongue.  That has meaning too!  Everything is an indication of what organs in your body are tired or depleted of energy and which ones might be overworking to compensate for the tired ones.  Our jobs as acupuncture professionals is to use our tiny, sterile, safe and comfortable needles, or points to rebalance your organs.  They know how to be balanced they just get waylaid with the ups and downs of everyday life. 

Often women report feeling differences right during the first treatment.  Others notice shifts within 24-48 hours and some women’s bodies take multiple treatments.  Acupuncture changes the habits our body has gotten into that are out of balance.  You know from life sometimes we change habits in the blink of an eye and sometimes it takes practice. 

As far as frequency is concerned, what my patients tell me that works is to have a treatment once a week until you feel better (however you and your practitioner decide to define that).  Once you feel good for a week I don’t want to see you for 2 weeks.  After you hold for 2 weeks then you might only come in when you have problems.  So, it can be months or years between treatments.  Other people find it beneficial to come in more regularly in order to be their very best.  It is totally up to you.  YOU are th boss of your body.

A practitioner near you may work with insurance companies.  Ask them. 

Acupuncture, a part of Chinese and now main-stream Western medicine, is safe, natural, drug-free, gentle and effective in treating many issues including menopause.  It nourishes you from the inside out.  That inner nourishment is often lost in our busy demanding lives.  You can regain balance.  You can feel and be your best, no matter your age. 

Here are some ways your life force jing can be drained:

• Over working:  set your boundaries
• Overexertion:  again set your boundaries.  Keep some energy for yourself for a change.
• Over doing it:  get people to help.  If they don’t help it is an indication that maybe that project isn’t important enough. 
• Poor eating habits:  you know what works for you in a healthy way.  The body is not as forgiving as when you were a youngster.  Accept your body as been and is changing.  Change with it.
• Inherited weakness:  All right, no lineage is perfect.  Now you are the adult so make decisions and take action that support your unique self.
• Burning the candle at both ends:  Another way to say:  Stop taking care of everyone else and everything else but YOU. YOU better do it because no one else will.
• Sitting or standing for long periods:  When your body gives you a message you need to change, do it.  The body is meant to move.  Stretch, change position.  Do something to help yourself in the moment rather than whining later.
• Excessive choices:  Stop going overboard whether is it sex, alcohol, drugs, late nights.  Again our body really wants balance.  You know that and only you can make it happen.

Other ways to support yourself through menopause can include Chinese herbs, yoga, qi gong, walking, quiet times, listening to music, helping others.  You are in a different stage of life, so we all to act differently on this new stage than any other time in our life.

Thank you for reading my blog.  I hope it is helpful and interesting.  If you have specific health issues you’d like me to address, let me know.  You can reach me at 301 352 2520 or colette@acYOUpointCenters.com.  I thank Acupuncture Media Works for being a resource for this post.

the POINT is… Incontinence–What a pisser (or pooper)!

Today we tackle incontinence which impacts both sexes and all ages.  Yes, I am told by women friends in their 30s “they have friends” with incontinence issues.  That is, you have involuntary urination or defecation!  Not many people realize that incontinence encompasses more than urination. 

You can look up incontinence in other sources from a normal medical perspective.  My focus today is from a Chinese Medicine perspective, which has more to do with our everyday choices and actions.  Thus how we take care of ourselves.  Consequently we can actually do something about it.

Incontinence, in Chinese Medicine, is associated with our kidneys.  As explained in previous posts the kidneys have to do with our stamina at a deep level  Most importantly the kidneys are where our life force, our longevity is stored. 

So, whenever kidneys are involved with a person’s symptoms and health, it is a big deal.  I know that whatever the issue is, it may impact how long a person actually lives.  Not to be taken lightly that’s for sure. 

Incontinence is one symptom in a list that are messages from the body that there is a deficiency in the qi, (or energy) of the kidneys. While our technology does not yet measure qi, that does not mean it does not exist.  The blood flowed in our veins before we could measure it or even knew that it flowed and pumped our heart.  Do not discount qi/energy just because it is not measured by our still limited science  and technology capabilities 

Other symptoms that can indicate a deficiency in the kidneys where our life force energy is stored include:

• low back pain
• weak knees
• pale tongue (versus a nice pink colored tongue)
• frequent urination
• inability to urinate
• dribbling urine
• involuntary seminal emission
• other problems with urinary or seminal control.

So ladies, it is not just an issue for us.  However, my guess is we talk about it more.

Acupuncture can be of tremendous benefit in building up the health and strength of the kidneys along with all of your organs.  It changes your physiology at the cellular level. 

You know you are changed in several ways.  First, each point gives a gentle pressure, tingle, warmth, tickle or mosquito bite feeling which is a message back to the body.  That message tells you that particular point actually made a change.  You get feedback with each point!  The points (needles) are so tiny that if they are not put in just the perfect place in your body to make a physiological change at the cellular level you feel NOTHING!

Also, you get to experience feeling better in everyday life.  You can tell that by your symptoms fading and even disappearing.  If you have questions about acupuncture let me know.  I will help you find a practitioner in your area, just ask.  Your life force and longevity needs you to protect it and acupuncture is one way to do that. 

What you do on a daily basis is as important, and even more important than someone such as an acupuncturist can do to support your inner and outer health.  Below are ideas you can incorporate easily into your everyday choices.

Foods and herbs that help strengthen your kidneys and their energy from the inside out

• parsley (take it off the side of the plate and eat it!)  Also can be a tea
• rose hips–make tea
• wheat berry tea
• oyster shell calcium supplements
• raspberry and blackberry leaf teas
• schisandra fruit capsules (I found it listed with Nature’s Way)

What we put in our body through our mouth is absorbed into our cells.  Your food choices make a huge difference in your overall life.

Your everyday choices are life energy supporters or detractors.  Consider these:

• I’m overwhelmed.
• I’m dog tired.
• I burn the candle at both ends.
• I’m done in.
• No more mojo.
• I’m done in.
• I have to keep pushing the envelope.
• I’m empty.
• The stress is killing me.

These thoughts are like cell phone messages from you to you that your life force energy is being depleted.  It is irreplaceable.  Once it is gone, you don’t get those seconds, minutes, hours days months and years back.  You will die sooner than your body originally planned!

Really are work, money, family, relationships, obligations, commitments worth the ticking of your life force backward?

Many people (like me) changed careers and other aspects of life to help every moment possible be the best it can be.  It all comes down to choices, and even the little ones, or especially the little ones that we are in charge of.  If you are not in charge of your life, it is in danger. 

Start with small things.  Do one little small thing for yourself every day.  You’ll find the world does keep spinning.  Once that becomes a habit, you may want to explore other options.  Get enough sleep; have fun; give or get a hug; read a book; have a cup of tea or wine; call a friend; find a lost friend on Facebook; take a hot bath; enjoy your hot tub; listen to music in the car.  Do something, anything once a day that brings a smile to you from the inside out.

You’ll live longer.

Thank you for reading my blog.  I hope it is interesting and of benefit.  If you have specific health issues you’d like me to address, let me know.  You can contact me at 301 352 2520 or colette@acYOUpointCenters.com.  I thank Paul Pitchford author of Healing with Whole Foods and James A. Duke, PhD author of The Green Pharmacy.

the POINT is… Fertility: for You AND your Partner

Sometimes, just sometimes we can learn from people in the past.  This is the case with this simple help to fertility today:  Cod Liver Oil. 

Hold on.  Nowadays you do not have to take it by the spoonful.  You can get it in capsules.  Maybe your partner isn’t interested in doing some things, but taking a gel cap might be just fine for him to do to contribute to your getting pregnant sooner.

Cod Liver Oil was a standard supplement in European societies.  I remember my mother and even my husband talking about having to swallow the horrible smelling and tasting stuff.  While past generations might not have known exactly why cod liver oil was beneficial.  We know more now. 

Cod liver oil provides us with fat soluble vitamin A and D which people in the past, including primitives had in much higher quantity than we do in our American diet.  It also contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) which is a fatty acid from the omega-3 linolenic acid that lead to prostaglandins. 

What in the heck are prostaglandins? 

• They act like a hormone and are found in body tissues:  ESPECIALLY SEMEN!  Thus the importance of your male partner taking cod liver oil too.  Remember, fertility isn’t all the mom’s responsibility.

Due to a diet of polyunsaturated oils, hydrogenated oils or diabetics or others who may have lowered pancreatic function (digestion related gland), you may not produce the EPA .  Cod liver oil replaces lost prostaglandins.  That is pretty magical! 

The impact of cod liver oil is far-reaching  It impacts the development of the brain, eyes and other organs in infants.  It can be given to weak infants and children who get frequent colds or flu or other sicknesses.  It can also treat colic and digestive issues. 

It is helpful for women and men to take prior to conception and during pregnancy. If you have growing children they can benefit from small doses.

To start, go to a store with people who can guide you about buying quality cod liver oil.  It should contain anti-oxidants and most likely will be in dark containers.  Store it in the refrigerator.  This is a natural food, so a little bit goes a long way in your body.  Do not take too much.  Studies show it can build up to become toxic if over dosed.

• If you take the liquid you can stir it in water or juice
• For pregnant and lactating women 1-2 teaspoons
• For children 1/2 teaspoon
• infants 8 drops from a medicine dropper or in formula
• For capsules, read and follow the directions

In Chinese Medicine, cod liver oil supports our life force called jing.  Jing is concentrated in the brain, ova, semen and bone marrow.  It is associated with the winter season.  It can then be especially helpful to take cod liver oil during winter.  We know many people tend to get sick, during winter.  We are just more vulnerable during winter.  So it makes sense to build natural resistance before and during cold seasons from the inside out.  As you see our life force, jing, is associated with carrying on the generations–thus fertility.

Learn from past generations.  Keep some ring in your Jing!  Cod liver oil is traditional for generations and in many cultures.  It is known to be of benefit, simple, easy to find and economical. 

Thank you for reading my blog.  I hope it is of interest and benefit.  If you have specific health issues you’d like me to address, let me know.  You can reach me at 301 352 2520 and colette@acYOUpointCenters.com.

the POINT is… Pain: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a category of diagnosis that didn’t exist 40 years ago.  There are many possible causes and even symptoms.  It is still very controversial to some.  No matter the label, or whether it is a proven health issue, if you are tired all of the time, you are miserable.  Being tired, fatigued all of the time is a signal that something is wrong–thus an imbalance exists somewhere.

If you wonder if you or someone you care about is chronically fatigued here are some of the symptoms:

• profound lethargy that sleep does not help
• depression– So how can a person tell if they are depressed versus fatigued; and really does that matter?
• headaches
• fevers
• malaise
• memory loss–  Uh-oh for many of us
• mental confusion
• poor concentration
• pain and weakness of the joints and muscles
• recurring infections
• severe exhaustion from doing minor activities
• sore throat
• stomach distress
• swollen lymph glands

Who does not have or have had one or more of these health/life issues if you’ve lived long enough?  Often people with CFS do not seem to be sick.  Blood tests, so relied upon in our medical system, often DO NOT show abnormalities.  No wonder CFS is esoteric in nature. 

Some of the possible links or causes of CFS include

• allergies
• food intolerance
• drug reactions
• yeast infections
• psychological problems
• chronic infection of Epstein-Barr which causes mononucleosis

From a Chinese Medicine perspective fatigue has to do with the Kidneys and Bladder.  The kidneys  have to do with our stamina at a deep level.  The bladder has to do with holding onto things until it is an appropriate, and comfortable time to let things go. 

In our culture we tend to overdo so many things, work, play, schedules, obligations.  So many people (women mostly) don’t go to the bathroom to urinate until the “have” to.  We get over tired and continually pushed beyond our limits.  Our body’s job is to protect itself. It produces symptoms, to TELL us, BEG us to pay attention:  Change something(s)!

Fatigue and iredness issues can be messages from your body telling you to change some aspects of your life.  Generally the messages have to do with taking better care of ourselves. 

Listen to your body.  Make simple changes and your body has a better chance to feel and be its best.  What you do on a daily basis is the most important aspect of your health. 

Acupuncture can help you rebalance from the inside out.  It strengthens the organs so they can do their best job for you.  People often experience tremendous relaxation and rejuvenation from acupuncture treatments.  They can be more refreshed than from a long, deep sleep or more than from a good massage.  Talk to people you know about their experiences with acupuncture.  It has helped millions of people over thousands of years.  You could be next. 

Food that May Help Rebuild your Energy

• Spinach (Remember Popeye?  He could not have been fatigued!)
• beans including pinto beans
• asparagus
• broccoli
• okra
• brussels sprouts
• bananas
• melons
• mushrooms

Check out herbal teas specifically made to counter act the fatigue.  Yes, often your local grocery store nowadays will carry this kind of tea.  If not, look for a health food store like Mom’s Organic Market or Whole Foods.  If none are close check online. 

Inspect the tea ingredients.  They probably contain some herbs listed below.  You can also get some or all of the below and make your own blend of tea.  Everyone is different  so what works well for you may be different for me or other folks. A cup or two a day will support you in getting your balance and energy back.

Herbs to enjoy as teas or can be used as supplements

• echinaccea
• goldenseal
• licorice
• lemon balm (known as melissa)
• ginger

Why might these foods help alleviate CFS symptoms? Folic acid is a supplement.  When it occurs in nature through our foods is called folate.   Folate is the natural source of vitamin B9.  The symptoms of low vitamin B9 (folate) include many of the CFS symptoms.

Increase your Magnesium

 Lots of greens contain magnesium. 

• string beans
• spinach
• cowpea
• lettuce
• stinging nettle
• poppy seeds
• licorice root
• coriander

Juicing Possibilities

Purslane and wheatgrass or other types of grasses are thought to combat fatigue.  Other grasses to juice for energy include:

• barley
• oats
• couchgrass
• wheat

Your choices can rebuild your stamina and energy from the inside out.  You do not have to be miserable.  Real food makes a real difference at the cellular level. Acupuncture treats your organs and also changes your physiology at the cellular level.  Get those cells excited about moving in life again. Why?  Because feeling good feels really good.

Thank you for reading my blog.  I hope it is interesting and helpful.  If you have specific health issues you’d like me to address, let me know.  Contact me at 301 352 2520 or colette@acYOUpointCenters.com

the POINT is… Fertility: Food for Pregnancy

YOU are the most important part of the equation of getting pregnant and holding that healthy, happy baby in your arms!

Every thing, every bite and swallow of food or beverage makes a difference in your body at the cellular level.  It is a huge responsibility we have to our body.  If you want to get pregnant, learn as much as you can about what your body wants and needs to conceive and maintain a full-term pregnancy.  Then make choices that makes sense to you.  No one is in your body but you.  YOU know best.  Listen to your body.  It is happy to be your guide.

Last week we talked about breathing for your uterus.  The breathing gets blood flowing where you need it to conceive and maintain pregnancy. 

Another life necessity is eating.  What you eat impacts your uterus: whether it is more likely to conceive or not.

You know about the saliva, or mucus in your mouth. 

You are probably aware too, that you have cervical mucus.  You might find remnants of the cervical mucus on your underwear.  At different stages of your menstrual cycle it might be thin and slippery or thick and gooey.  It is an important aspect and indicator about what is happening inside.  The mucus can be acidic or alkaline.  If too acidic it can actually be “hostile” to the sperm.  We know that hostility is not so terrific.  Consider what acid does to your eyes or skin.

Alkaline mucus promotes the survival of the sperm.  Hooray!!!!  It helps your system and uterus if your saliva is alkaline as well.  You gotta keep those little squiggly tykes happy!

To help your saliva be more alkaline

• stop drinking liquids during your meal. 
• Drink water 30 minutes before or 1 hour after you eat. 
• Also, really chew your food.  In fact, chew your food until it is liquified in your mouth before swallowing. Saliva actually starts the process of digestion, so help it do its best job for you.

There are foods that are more alkaline.  They help your entire body and all its systems to be more alkaline 

• fruits that are not citrus
• vegetables
• sprouts of all kinds
• cereal grass such as wheatgrass, barley grass
• herbs of black cohosh and valerian root help balance the pH for conception and implantation.  However, the foods you eat are the most important.  Put your focus on putting the very best nutrition in your body.

Lower your intake of 

• citrus fruits
• meat
• dairy products (products made from MOO cow milk especially)
• most grains
• Now, in other posts or places you may read to actually eat these very same foods that are suggested you lower here.  Hang in there.  Our body is not black and white, off and on.  It is all about balance.  Don’t let food suggestions freak you out.  Use your judgement and get the best balance for you. 

Eat 3-6 cups of fruits and vegetables a day–or as many as you can.  Biovflavonoids are found in lots of fruits and vegetables.  They help the blood vessels do their job of moving blood throughout your body.  You need that flow of blood into the uterus to prepare it for implantation and to help prevent miscarriage.

This post is mostly what you already know.   I know that.  We all really know what is good and event the best for us.  I hope it is reinforecement for you.  Choose wisely based upon what you know rather than old habits.  Having a baby is a miracle and the miracle is you and your body. 

Thank you for reading my blog.  I hope it is helpful and interesting.  If you have specific health issues you’d like me to address, let me know.  Reach me at 301 352 2520 and colette@acYOupointCenters.com.  My thanks to Randine Lewis, PhD author of The Infertility Cure.