Chinese Medicine | NY Chi Acupuncture

How Acupuncture Supports Bladder Control and Pelvic Floor Health

June 26, 2025

Urinary Incontinence (UI) can happen for a variety of reasons, but in my practice I most commonly see it affect postpartum patients and those entering menopause. It can also be an issue during pregnancy itself; symptoms tend to increase with each trimester as pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor increases. Those who have had previous pregnancies also have a higher risk for UI. In postpartum patients, those who delivered vaginally have a higher risk for postpartum UI compared with surgical delivery, and those who experienced 3rd or 4th degree tear also have a higher risk.

The research really illustrates why it’s important not to ignore the issue- 3 months postpartum anywhere from 17-31% of new moms experience urinary incontinence, and if untreated 38% still had symptoms a whopping 12 years later (source). That’s the minority, but not by much! You can see why it’s so important to seek out help for the issue absolutely as soon as possible- the sooner you can get help after the issue the begins, the better your chances of overcoming it.

Why Does Postpartum Urinary Incontinence Happen?

Heat Therapy In Chinese Medicine

December 17, 2021

Heat is an essential component of the therapeutic recommendations of Chinese Medicine. In order for our bodies to function optimally, we need warmth and proper circulation. Without it, cold sets in and circulation becomes sluggish. Whenever I meet a patient with signs of internal cold, I recommend a variety of ways they can build heat (also called yang energy) to feel better. Read more

Eating Seeds? Yes! Seed Cycling? Not so much.

July 06, 2021

What is Seed Cycling?

I remember first hearing about seed cycling over 10 years ago as a new acupuncturist. The idea of seed cycling is that you can eat different seeds at different parts of your cycle to optimize your hormone balance. Which seed depends on the unique micronutrients in each one, with certain seeds thought to balance estrogen in the follicular phase (before ovulation) and balance progesterone levels in the luteal phase (after ovulation). The concept of being able to truly use your food as medicine and take control of your own health is really appealing of course! Who wouldn’t want a DIY answer to things like irregular cycles, painful periods, or other hormonal symptoms like premenstrual bloating and acne? Not to mention a little help with fertility?

Seed cycling seems to have surged in popularity on social media, so I wanted to take some time to really dig into the research to see if this is worth doing. Also, as a practitioner of East Asian Medicine (TCM), I am excited to discuss our medicine’s view of seeds and how they’re used, as well as some information on how our medicine would approach hormonal health at different phases of the cycle. Read more

Living With the Seasons: Spring and the Wood Element

April 12, 2021

Each of the 5 elements in Traditional Chinese Medicine has an associated season, organ, color, flavor and even emotion. You can live in greater harmony with the natural world by learning a little about each season, and it becomes easier to notice the connections between what you’re feeling and what’s going on in nature.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Wood element is associated with the Liver and Gallbladder organs and springtime.

Wood possesses qualities of movement and growth, new ideas, creativity and inspiration.

Signs your Wood Element is balanced:

– You are feeling creative, inspired and excited to start new projects and do a little planning for the future
– Your muscles feel relaxed and you’re feeling loose and flexible. Emotionally, you’re also relaxed and flexible, and the little things aren’t irritating you Read more

Perinatal Acupuncture Research Summaries Project

January 25, 2021

Have you ever wondered what the research says about acupuncture for issues during pregnancy like back pain, anxiety, morning sickness or moxibustion for turning a breech baby? And what about safety- is there any research on this?

With so much information at your fingertips, it can be really overwhelming to tell what is based on good research or expert opinion, and what is misinformation or the casual opinion of a social media influencer. I’ve created a free guide to help you cut through all the noise and give solid, research backed information about each topic. I hope this will save you time and aggravation, and help you feel clear and purposeful in the decisions you make for yourself during pregnancy. Read more

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