Woman Health – American Institute of Acupuncture

Top 9 Acupressure Points to Treat Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

acuherb — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 22:59:29 +0000

Acupressure and reflexology are alternative medicine techniques that are based on the theory of holistic self-healing using solely physical pressure. The pressure applied at specific points helps in increasing the flow of life energy through the meridians and clears the blockages. TheÂ history of acupressureÂ is centuries old and has been used effectively for treating various ailments such as muscle and joint pains, headache, indigestion and many more. PMS or premenstrual syndrome is a batch of symptoms that are linked with the menstrual cycle and although not life threatening, it can surely disrupt normal life of a woman for a few days. There are hardly any known remedies for this problem, but acupressure therapy can be used to treat the symptoms of PMS quite successfully.

Most Common Symptoms of PMS

PMS or premenstrual syndrome is an assemblage of symptoms that appear in women 2 weeks before the commencement of the periods each month, but the symptoms differ from person to person and is extremely difficult to categorize and analyze.

Physical Symptoms: Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â

Bloating
Breast Pain
Abdominal Cramps
Lower Back Pain
Muscle and Joint Pain
Headache

Psychological Symptoms:

Mood Swings
Anxiety
Irritability and crying
Tiredness
Restlessness
Appetite Changes
Confusion and Forgetfulness

9 Important Reflexology Points to Relieve PMS Symptoms

In this article we have listed some of the most important points ranging from various parts of the body that are useful for acupressure treatment of premenstrual syndrome.

Points on Abdomen

The most important acupressure treatment points for relieving PMS symptoms is located in the abdomen and stimulating these points by applying soft pressure using palms and fingers can help in relieving menstruation related discomfort.

Sea of Energyâ€“ This is one of the most important acupressure points for treating premenstrual syndrome. Located two fingers width below the navel, stimulation of this point helps in normalizing irregular periods, menstrual cramps, treats vaginal discharge and problems of constipation. Stimulating this point also helps inÂ relieving digestive disordersÂ such as gas, irritable bowel syndrome, headache and general weakness.

Gate OriginÂ â€“ This reflexology point is positioned four finger widths beneath the navel in the same line with the point â€œSea of Energyâ€. Stimulating this point helps in relieving PMS symptoms such as painful menstrual cramps, irregular menstrual periods, treating reproductive problems and incontinence. In addition, this point also helps in treating impotence in men.

Mansion CottageÂ â€“ This pair of points is located on the pelvic area, right at the center of the crease where the legs join the trunk of the body. Stimulating this point with the pressure of the palms helps in relieving painful abdominal cramps and discomfort related to menstruation. In addition, it also helps in treating infertility in women.

Rushing Doorâ€“ This acupressure point is located in the pelvic area, in the crease of the joint between the legs and the trunk of the body, exactly below the points â€œMansion Cottageâ€. Stimulating this point helps in relieving abdominal discomfort, bloating and cramps. In addition, this point can also help in treating hernia and dysuria.

Points on the Back

A few of the acupressure points related to PMS are located on the back of the body and stimulating these points not only helps in relieving abdominal cramps, but also soothes lower back pain.

Womb and VitalsÂ â€“ This pair of points areÂ located right outside the sacrum â€“ the bony area at the base of the spice, midway between the hipbone and the base of the buttocks. Stimulating this point with fingers helps in relieving menstrual cramps, pelvic pain,Â lower back painÂ and urinary problems. In addition, this point also helps in relieving hip pain, stiffness and promotes postpartum recovery.

Sacral PointsÂ â€“ Stimulating this group of points work effectively towards menstrual pain relief. These points are located in the sacrum, right at the base of the pelvis. Stimulating this point by applying gentle pressure with fingers helps in relieving menstrual cramps and relaxing the uterus. In addition, it also helps in relieving lower back and pelvic pain.

Points on Legs

The reflexology points present on the legs help in improving blood flow to the lower part of the body and helps in reducing bloating by driving out excess fluid from the body.

Three Yin CrossingÂ â€“ This point is located in the inner side of the leg, three finger widths above the ankle bone, close to the shinbone. Stimulating this point with the thumb and fingers helps in relieving water retention, bloating, genital pain, abdominal cramps and irregular vaginal discharge. In addition, it is also beneficial for treating sleeping disorders, insomnia, dizziness and vertigo. Stimulating this point is strictly prohibited during the later stages of pregnancy (8th and 9th months of pregnancy).

Grandfather Grandsonâ€“ Acupressure treatment for PMS must include this point. It is located in the arch of the inside of the foot, a thumb width from the ball of the foot.Â Stimulation of this point by pressing it with the fingers helps in relieving abdominal cramps. Stimulating this point also helps inÂ relieving stress and anxiety, digestive disorders and bloating.

Point on Arms

Last but not the least, comes one of the most important points of acupressure therapy â€“ the Union Valley point, the stimulation of which helps in treating a wide range of health problems.

Union Valley Pointâ€“ This acupressure point is located in the fleshy joint between the thumb and index finger on both hands. Stimulating this point by applying pressure on the fleshy region helps in normalizing delayed and irregular periods, calms the uterine muscles and treats infertility. In addition, stimulating this point also aids inÂ treating headache, shoulder pain, allergies, abdominal pain and constipation. This point should not be roused during pregnancy.

It is not even necessary to stimulate all these points in order to reap the benefits of reflexology and acupressure for PMS, applying pressure on only a few points for 3 to 5 minutes can do the trick. So, now that you know the most important acupressure points to relieve PMS apply it yourself and also try to provide comfort to your loved ones with this holistic way of healing.

Hormonal causes of irregular periods

acuherb — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 22:54:36 +0000

Â Â Â Our periods are orchestrated by natural, interdependent hormonal shifts, so itâ€s no wonder that often the first sign of hormonal imbalance is a change in the rhythm, timing or heaviness of our periods.

Â Â Â Irregular menstrual bleeding comes in many forms, and varies from woman to woman. You may experience spotting, mid-cycle bleeding or very heavy bleeding. The time between your periods may lengthen, shorten or become unpredictable. The way in which your cycle is â€œirregularâ€ is unique to you, but the underlying cause is often the same, and rooted in hormonal imbalance. And the good news is itâ€s possible to naturally restore your hormonal balance and so the regularity of your menstrual cycle.

Â Â Â Â Itâ€s common to have one or two irregular periods a year. But if you have more than that itâ€s a good idea to look at some possible causes and get your body back on track. Common causes of irregular bleeding are:

Perimenopause.Â If youâ€re over 35 you may be inÂ perimenopause, the months or years of hormonal transition that lead up to menopause. Technically, menopause occurs when it has been 12 consecutive months since your last period, but itâ€s rare for women to menstruate regularly until their periods suddenly stop. More commonly, women notice changes to their cycles five, ten or even fifteen years prior to reaching menopause.

PCOS.Â Women withÂ polycystic ovarian syndromeÂ (PCOS) usually do not ovulate regularly. Since regular periods depend on regular ovulation (unless you are on birth control pills, in which case your â€œperiodâ€ is actually a withdrawal bleed), one of the most common signs of PCOS is irregular bleeding. PCOS is commonly connected to insulin resistance, which is caused by diets heavy in sugar and refined carbohydrates.

Stress.Â Our adrenal glands are responsible for regulating cortisol levels, which have a direct impact on some of the hormones involved in menstruation such as estrogen and progesterone. The adrenals increase cortisol production in response to stress. Unfortunately, most women suffer from chronic stress that overburdens the adrenals and can lead toÂ adrenal dysfunction. The resulting cortisol imbalance leads to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone. Healing your adrenals is essential for regaining the hormonal balance necessary for regular periods.

Hypothyroidism.Â Thyroid function is intimately connected with all your bodyâ€s hormones. When your thyroid hormones are off balance such as with hypothyroidism, it can result in a wide range of symptoms, including irregular periods, fatigue, weight gain, and depression. Many women with irregular periods have subclinicalÂ hypothyroidism.

All of these problems are rooted in hormonal imbalance, and fortunately there is a lot you can do to regain hormonal balance naturally. The basic approach is to give your body the support it needs to make and balance its hormones, while reducing the demands on your endocrine system.

Women can regain their natural menstrual cycles with a few healthy dietary modifications, pharmaceutical-grade nutritional supplements, stress management and relaxation techniques. Your cycles will normalize if you give your body the right support. And we know what a relief that can be!

Movements, Massage, and Pressure Points for Beautiful, Happy Breasts

acuherb — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 22:50:05 +0000

Though it is often thought of as a womenâ€s disease, men are also diagnosed with and die from breast cancer. Â Fortunately, breast cancer death rates have been falling since the late 1980s, especially among women under the age of 40.

This drop may be due to early detection, better treatments, and greater regard for factors such as some forms of hormone replacement therapy that were thought to increase the risk of cancer becoming more invasive. Luckily, there are many tools available to help professionals and their clients find happiness and beauty in their breasts.

There are four pillars of a healthy lifestyle: wholesome foods and good digestion, appropriate exercise, daily relaxation or meditation, and sufficient rest and sound sleep. In the Ayurvedic healing tradition, self-massage is considered passive exercise and is said to have many of the same benefits as that of an exercise class. Daily massage with oil, or self-abhyanga, is widely practiced in the Orient as one of the best paths to longevity and aging beautifully, but not so much in the West. But, just as massage is earning a reputation for being therapeutic rather than exotic, there is going to be acknowledgement that breast massage is one of the best things professionals can teach clients forÂ breast health.

Ayurvedic massage has two unique characteristics. First, there is a full recognition that the skin is an organ of digestion, fully able to act as a delivery system for herbal medicines. As such, the massage medium, usually herbal or aromatic oils, is considered to be at least 50 percent of the treatment benefit. The second characteristic is the use of specific pressure points in the marma system that are closely related to the chakras.

The two oils favored for the breasts are a blend of equal amounts of castor, flax, and corn oils and an herbal oil made with mustard seed oil, pomegranate rind, and an essential oil blend known as amber. If these oils are not available, untoasted sesame oil or any good-quality organic oil will work. Apply a small amount of oil to the front of the neck, dÃ©colletÃ©, and breasts before starting the massage.

TherapeuticÂ Â Breast Massage

1.Â With the head turned slightly to the left, use three fingers on the left hand to touch behind the right earlobe and massage the area in clockwise circles. This marma point, karnamula , is around the mastoid process, the little bump behind the ear lobe. Proceed to stroke down the side of the neck to the akshaka marma point , which is on the top surface of the right collar bone where it joins the breast bone, and apply light rotational pressure. Turn the head to the right and repeat the same stroke to the left side using the right hand. Repeat this process 15 times, alternating between the right and left sides of the neck. Perform 30 strokes in all.

The marma points that are touched by this stroke include:

1) Karnamula

2) Mantha â€“ improves lymphatic circulation

3) Siramantha

4) Akshaka â€“ stimulates lymphatic drainage.

2.Â With the head turned slightly to the left, use the left thumb or fingers to press down on the top surface of the right collar bone, from the breast bone out to the tip of the right shoulder. Turn the head to the right and repeat the same movement on the left side. If pregnant, apply this technique with very light pressure. Massage the skandadhara marma pointÂ in the hollow in front of the shoulder joint by using gentle, circular clockwise pressure or a press and release action.

The marma points that are touched by this stroke include:

4) Akshaka and

7) Skandadhara â€“ helps to ease tenderness in the breast and is particularly helpful for fibrocystic breasts.

3.Â Using rotational clockwise pressure, touch the hollow space behind the collar bone with the fingertips, starting again from the breast bone and moving up toward the top of the shoulders. Massaging under the collar bone can help reduce breast discomfort.

4.Â Starting under the right arm, press gently into the deep hollow of the armpit and apply rotational clockwise pressure into the kaksha marma point . Try pressing with the thumb, leaving the rest of the fingers on top of the shoulder. Do this movement three, five, or seven times and repeat it on theÂ left side.

The marma point that is touched by this stroke includes:

5) Kaksha â€“ helps with all breast problems including tenderness, mastitis, and fibrocystic conditions. It also activates the lymphatic system in the upper torso.

5.Â Touch the jatru marma point , which is at the top of the middle of the breast bone, and then touch hridayam , which is four finger widths below the top of the breastbone, approximately half an inch below the sternal angle. Press and release this point in a gentle, pumping action three, five, or seven times.

The marma point that is touched by this stroke includes:Â Jatru

6.Â Press and release apastambhaÂ in a gentle, pumping action three, five, or seven times. This point is between the ribs and the breast bone on both sides.

The marma point that is touched by this stroke includes:

8) Apastambha

7.Â Locate hridayam , which is midway between the top and bottom of the breast bone, roughly at the same level as the nipples. Apply gentle, rotational clockwise pressure to this marma and then proceed down the remainder of the breast bone and either side between the ribs with circularÂ massage strokes.

The marma points that are touched by this stroke include:

9) Hrid-1, 2, and 3 and Hridayam â€“ help relieve congestion in the breast tissue and enhance lymphatic circulation.

8.Â With the left hand on the right breast, stroke over the topside of the breast with the flat of the hand, moving from the breast bone towards the armpit and using the pressure that would be used to pet a cat. Using the right hand, repeat this movement over the left breast. Then, with the left hand, stroke the underside of the breast, starting at the breastbone and moving towards the armpit. Repeat this movement with the right hand on the left breast. Do these strokes in an alternating fashion; left hand over right breast and then right hand over left breast. Be sure to touch every part of the breast. Pay particular attention to the outer, upper quadrant of each breast, as this is the most common area for problems to arise. Be sure to end each stroke atÂ the armpit.

9.Â Do 100 circular strokes around both breasts simultaneously, keeping the shoulders relaxed and projecting positive thoughts towards the self and breasts. The circles should cover the outer portion of the breast and the tissues just slightly above, below, and to the side of each breast. The circles should gradually get smaller and move toward the nipples. Massaging the area directly below the breasts stimulates blood circulation. Massaging the portion of the breast below the nipple increases sensuousness and a sense of self-confidence. This step helps to maintain a pleasant shape to the breasts. If both hands are used, circling one way and then the other, the movement of the shoulders works theÂ lymphatic pumps.

The marma point that is touched by this stroke includes:

10) Stanya Mula â€“ helps to clear breast abscesses, cysts, and fibro cystic tissue; ease breast tenderness; and regulate lactation.

10.Â Pull the nipples, using gentle pressure between the thumb and index fingers. Nipple stimulation excites the finest capillaries and lymph tissue in this area of the breast.

11.Â Always end any breast massage by repeating the massage of the kaksha marma, which was performed in step four.

This massage can be done weekly, monthly, or anytime there is discomfort. If prior breast surgery has been done for any reason, please ask a physician before doing this massage.

The Benefits of Therapeutic Breast Massage

acuherb — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 22:40:13 +0000

Breast health is too often ignored until after a problem arises. Itâ€s an area of the body with powerful associations that sometimes makes women hesitant to seek care, despite the fact that the vast majority of them experience breast discomfort at some point. Whether itâ€s breast congestion, abnormalities such as lumps or cysts, diagnostic tests, or surgical procedures, any breast problem can create heightened anxiety and stress that can diminish overall health.

Although scientific studies are limited so far, anecdotal evidence suggests that these problems can be improved and possibly prevented with regular breast massage. Whether you massage yourself or seek out a certified therapist, breast massage can result in:

Increased circulation of blood and lymph
Reduced congestion in breast tissue
Relief from mastalgia (breast pain)
Improved posture
Restored range of motion in the upper body

These physical improvements may provide huge psychological and emotional benefits, especially for those recovering from breast disease and the aftermath of invasive treatments.

Getting the Lymph Moving

Breasts are often compressed with sports bras, constrained by underwire, or enhanced with padding. This can restrict the flow of lymph, a clear liquid derived from blood that contains disease-fighting cells called lymphocytes. According to Debra Curties, RMT, a renowned expert in breast massage, the lymphatic system â€œis considered the most important factor in breast tissue drainage. It is widely speculated that chronic impairment of lymph drainage may be implicated in many breast health problems, including cancer.â€ (1)

Unlike blood, which is pumped by the heart, lymph doesnâ€t have a pump of its own and must be moved by either muscle contractions or manual pressure. Curties points out that breasts have no musculature of their own, â€œso the primary physiological aims of breast massage relate to enhancing circulation and drainage.â€ (2) Gentle massage helps clear lymphatic channels, increases circulation, and reduces uncomfortable congestion.

Improving Posture and Range of Motion

Therapeutic breast massage also loosens the tissues of the chest, shoulders, and neck, using a combination of deep-tissue massage techniques, movement,Â breathing, and stretching. Whether your breasts are healthy or compromised, every woman can benefit from this work, and it can be a powerful aid to healing after surgery or radiation therapy.

These procedures can leave uncomfortable scar tissue, adhesions, and muscle imbalances. Restricted movement, altered posture, andÂ chronic painÂ often result. After medical clearance is given, a skilled therapist can release restrictions, which in turn can reduce or eliminate pain and improve range of motion.

What to Expect in a Treatment

Depending on local laws, you may need to get a doctorâ€s referral (even if you have healthy breasts) and sign a consent form before receiving breast massage treatments. Breast massage isÂ not advisable in certain circumstances, especially during treatments that make breast tissues more delicate, such as tissue expansion or radiation. It is also contraindicated in any case of infection or for direct contact on any undiagnosed lump. (3) For this reason, medical clearance is vital in the presence of any breast disease or trauma.

The therapist will take time to go over your health history and goals for the session, assess your posture and range of motion, and answer any questions you may have. If you are not comfortable being treated with your breasts exposed, you can opt to wear a loose T-shirt or be fully draped with a sheet.

Many women are surprised to find that therapeutic breast massage involves very little direct contact with breast tissue, and none at all with the nipple or areola. It requires active participation at times, as the therapist guides you through breathing and assisted stretching. Gentle pressure and movement are used to release tight connective tissue, adhesions, and contracted muscles in the chest and shoulder areas.

Techniques used may include myofascial release, trigger-point therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, and vacuum therapy (cupping), just to name a few. Some practitioners, such as those who provideÂ Â breast massage, may also complement the treatment with soothing energy modalities to restore balance and flow in the body, and counteractÂ anxiety.

Being comfortable with the process is vital to maximizing results, and clear, detailed communication with your therapist is necessary. Choose therapists who are experienced, have been certified or licensed within your state, and who have received specialized training in breast, oncology, and medical massage.

Taking Matters into Your Own Hands

Beyond professional breast massage treatments, you can take several preventive measures to maximize your breast health.

DailyÂ self-massageÂ keeps lymph flowing and is particularly good for those who suffer from general breast congestion and pain. There are many different techniques, but it doesnâ€t have to be complicated. Just gently massage your breasts in a circular motion using your favorite (preferably organic) body oil, 30 times in each direction with the intent of moving the lymph toward the armpit. Then, cup the breast in two hands, gently pulling away from the body, and then pushing back in. Repeat this pumping motion several times on each breast.
AddingÂ essential oilsÂ to your massage oil can make the process even more potent. Cinnamon, frankincense, thyme, citrus, roman chamomile, and turmeric are some of the oils recommended for breast health.
Use onlyÂ natural deodorants.Â Combinations of natural ingredients such as baking soda, magnesium hydroxide,Â coconut oil, and/or essential oils can give effective odor protection without questionable chemicals. A good rule of thumb is, if you donâ€t want itÂ inÂ your body, donâ€t put itÂ onÂ your body.
Avoid constrictive clothingÂ around the breasts as much as possible. If you are a smaller-breasted woman who can do without underwire, or perhaps without a bra at all, youâ€re in luck. For those who must wear bras, seek support designs that donâ€t use underwire, donâ€t wear them any more than is absolutely necessary, and massage your breasts well after removing them. While there is no definitive scientific link as of yet between bras and breast disease, it makes sense to keep that cleansing lymph moving.

The first step is to talk to your doctor and be sure you can receive breast massage. Assuming the answer is â€œyes,â€ then you can decide whether youâ€d prefer to work on yourself or look for a therapist to assist you.

*Editorâ€s Note:Â The information in this article is intended for your educational use only; does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Chopra Center’s Mind-Body Medical Group; and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.

The Flower Blooms: 7 Practices for Womenâ€™s Sexual and Reproductive Health

acuherb — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 22:18:41 +0000

Â Â Â Â Â When it comes to womenâ€s sexual and reproductive health, attitudes matter. Our culture shapes the way we feel about our bodies and more deeply, how our bodies respond.

Â Â Â Â â€œSafe sexâ€ in classical Chinese thought is sex that does not drain the body of needed energy and vitality, but increases it.

Chinese medical history is long and traverses time to places where cultural norms about womenâ€s sexual and reproductive health were quite different.

East Vs West â€“ Views on Womenâ€s Sexual and Reproductive Health

The Eastern wisdom traditions of both Dao andÂ Tantra say sexual energy is a possible pathway for awakening consciousness, divine enlightenment and healing.

That is what imbibes the language that they use to describe the body.

For example:

The Sanskrit word for the female organs is Yoni. Yoni means â€˜sacred space.â€

The Chinese equivalent is The Lotus Flower or Jade Gate.

There was a time when Jade was the most precious stone in China.Â Names including Jade indicated the most precious of all treasures.

The blooming of the lotus flower in Buddhism signifies enlightenment.

Letâ€s contrast that with the terminology in use presently in the West.

The pudendal nerve innervates the genitalia and pelvic floor. The term pudendal comes from LatinÂ pudenda, meaning external genitals,Â derived fromÂ pudendum, meaning â€œparts to be ashamed ofâ€.

That should give you a quick snapshot of the difference in cultural values regarding womenâ€s sexual and reproductive health.

Cultural Attitudes to Female Sexuality

Itâ€s my opinion that there haveÂ been strong, recent (last 100 years) cultural influences that have shaped our view, treatment and expectations of the female body.Â We also inherit a history of inherent sexism in the way anatomy and physiology has been investigated and presented.

I believe this has ledÂ to a distinct lack of natural curiosity and open, intelligent communication around these potent organs and glands and how to keep them healthy and vital.

In more ancient times in the East, the sexual dynamics of both female and male bodies were thoroughly explored and researched.

They saw arousal and the hormonal cascades it released and the circulation it cultivated as a potent force of generating vitality.Â They also understood that humansÂ neededÂ practice, technique and correct environmental conditionsÂ to fully harness the potential power of sexual arousal as a healing dynamic.

They researched and came to understand:

circulation
fluid movement
breath dynamics
ability to harness desire into the broader sensory experience of â€˜orgasmic energyâ€
focusing the mind
taming the ego.

All yielded significant holistic health outcomes.

They developed specific technologies for both women and men.

This article focuses on practices specifically for womenâ€s sexual and reproductive health. These practices can stand alone or can be incorporated into your existing yoga, Qi Gong, meditation or self-pleasure practice.

Before I outline the practices letâ€s take a closer look at the anatomy of what we are talking about.

Womenâ€s Sexual and Reproductive Health and the Female Anatomy

How the Chinese from the Tang dynasty described the female anatomy:

Vagina:Â The Jade Gate or The Lotus Flower

Vulva:Â The Golden Valley

Clitoris:Â Precious Pearl or Bright Pearl on the Jade Steps

Cervix:Â Inner Gate

Uterus:Â Jade Palace or The Cinnabar Field

Saliva:Â Sweet Wine Spring

Colostrum:Â White Snow

Vaginal Secretions:Â Moonflower

From a Chinese Medicine perspective, organs arenâ€t just the organs.Â They are networks, connected by channel pathways.

Traditional Chinese Medicine andÂ Womenâ€s Sexual and Reproductive Health

The two main sexual/reproductive channels in classical Chinese thought and therapeutic practice are:

TheÂ RenÂ (Sea of Yin/Nourishing Vessel)
TheÂ ChongÂ (Sea of Blood/most primordial channel connected to Source Qi, aka one of the first embryological fascia folds.)

These channels include:

connective tissue pathways
organs
glands
tissues
blood circulation
nerve pathways.

TheyÂ connect the:

pelvic floor
clitoris and clitoral body
vaginal canal
cervix
womb
ovaries
adrenal glands
thymus
emotional heart
throat
vocal chords
thyroid
pineal gland
brain.

Here is a simplified illustration of what the Ren channel looks like:

There isÂ lots of neural innervation to the female sexual and reproductive organs. MoreÂ research is surfacing about these unique tissues and glands, what they are connected to and what they have the potential for.

A new area of research is the vagina-brain connection.

This is a pic of the Vagus nerveÂ â€“ the curious nerve, the â€˜wanderingâ€ nerve. It gets a lot of attention when it comes to the gut-brain connection, but it wanders further, innervatingÂ the cervix.Â This looks a lot more meridian-ish.

To see more closely the functional relationship of the pathways of Ren and Chong, Iâ€d also suggest that you research recent images of:

the pelvic nerve andÂ pudendal nerve
pelvic floor musculature
MRI scans of the clitoris
the vascular supply to the cervix.

TheÂ basic premise of Chinese medicine is that if circulation is impeded then disharmony develops, leading to disease.

The Impact of Shame onÂ Womenâ€s Sexual and Reproductive Health

So, what happens when we haveÂ shame, judgement, ignorance, fear, trauma or lack of activityÂ in an area of the body?

Daoist and Tantric solo practices:

Encourage the flight andÂ fight response to switch off so that growth/repair/rest and digest canÂ switch on.
Increase circulation
Initiate relaxation
Encourage hormone and endorphin release
Increase self-awareness
Cultivate a loving and accepting attitude to self and others
Increase your capacity to feel pleasure
Align mind, breath, heart and sexual body.

They also go from external to internal in nature.

When there is a culture of shame focused onÂ the female anatomy and womenâ€s sexuality, these healing benefits are not attained. The good news is that we can useÂ sexual healing practicesÂ to turn this around.

*Here is where I stress that this article is just a messenger, an introduction.*

To start working with these practices please seek support from the resources list at the end.Â Some techniques are explained more fully than others, so please take the terminology and conduct your own searches. There is a world of books, videos, courses and online resources if youâ€d like to learn more about any of this. I highly encourage you to get curious.

7 Â Sexual & Reproductive Health Practices for Women

(A mix of classical and contemporary practices)

1. Meditation

These are usually guided practices until you get established in the technique.

The Micro-Cosmic Orbit
The Inner Smile
Womb Wisdom
Ovarian Temple
Heal Emotional Pain
Sexual Pathways Yoga Nidra Journey

2. Feminine Qi Gong

IncludesÂ breath, sound, movement or visualisation.

Kuan Yin Qi Gong
Ovarian Breathing
Shakti Flows
Finger Qi gong treatment

3. Breast Massage

There is so much benefit for this technique. Itâ€s also such a lovely practice to do. Boobies rock. They are a powerful dynamic place for women and so intimately connected to your heart and endocrine system.

Breasts are very important to take care of and are one of the easier areas of the female body to cultivate a relationship with.Â With regular massage you will start to notice how dynamic, intelligent and responsive breasts can be.

You can help flush the lymphatic system and your body can produce oxytocin this way.Â The upsurge in oxytocin helps us feel more connectedÂ â€“ to our body, to people and life. It cultivates the impulse to self-nurture and self-love and also helps prevent breast cancer by assisting with early detection.

4. The Female Deer

This isÂ a seated meditation practice in which you sit cross-legged with a heel pressed gently against the clitoris,Â or if you canâ€t reach you can place a ball in between your foot and clitoris. You can, if you have the flexibility, close of the opening of your vagina with your sole of your foot.

To start, youÂ gently encircle your boobs moving from the nipple outwards and then reverse out to in. You do this both ways about 36 times.Â Take your time.

You alternate between focusing your attention onÂ the feeling of your breasts in your hands and your hands on your breasts.

After the self-massage you sit andÂ observe the sensations occurring in your bodyâ€¦or you can proceed to the micro-cosmic orbit. (Which in a nutshell is visualising light or energy drawing up from your perineum/pelvic floor up your spine, over your skull, down the front line of your faceÂ and body, deep into your womb space/cervix and back to the perineum.)

5. The Yin and Yang of the Pelvic Floor

Lifelong pelvic floor functional integrity so much depends upon the interplay of good pelvic tone andÂ your capacity to release pelvic tension. YouÂ can include simple practices into your yoga, daily life, sexual practice or exercise to keep your pelvic floorÂ happy and able to do its essential work.

Did you know the Kegel exercises were designed by a male for men with urinary incontinence?Â They are not useful for women.

In France, a minimum of 10 sessions with a specialised pelvic floor therapist is offered to every woman, post-birth.

The pelvic floor isÂ such an integral part of our architecture. It contributes to core stabilityÂ and lower back support, holds the reproductive organs in place, is important for bladder and bowel function and connects to the genitalia.

For all things pelvic floor, including learning about the â€˜pelvic parfaitâ€, I highly recommend the amazing, practical and beautiful teachings ofÂ Nina IsabellaÂ akaÂ Mamashanti.

6. Jade Egg Practice

This is a self-love, awakening, honouring and devotional ritual to heal and nourish your sexual organs and glands.Â You utilise a crystal egg to massage your body, sexual organs and pelvic floor,Â first externally and then you can insert the egg inside the vagina. Internally itâ€s used to invigorate trigger points inside the vaginal canal and pelvic floor.

The jade eggÂ is a potent tool for release of stored emotion within the tissue and for connecting your mind and heart to your sexual organs.

In advanced practice there is also muscle strengthening and releasing work you can do with the egg known asÂ vaginal kung fu or vaginal weightlifting.

7. Stimulating the Cervix

This is a deeper practice in which youÂ create a safe sacred place to clear pain/trauma/numbness/emotions stored in the cervix, heart and sexual organs.You utilise a crystal or glass wand or fingers to gently stimulate the cervix. When you find an area of pain, tension or numbness, you soften and expand into the sensation.

This practice will also increase circulationÂ and increase hormone delivery to the cervix, awakening its capacity for pleasure and ultimately DMT release.