𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞 - 𝐁𝐒𝐜. 𝐑.𝐀𝐜 𝐓𝐂𝐌𝐃

Want to get pregnant in 2023 but don't know where to start or just need some support along your journey?

Not everyone's pregnancy journey looks the same and with all the information out there on fertility and trying to conceive it can be confusing on what you should do or where you should even start.

There are soooo many different things that can help someone conceive, from striving for a healthy diet and lifestyle, to how much you exercise and even your sleeping habits. It's important to understand your personal cycle and balance your hormones. Our bodies are amazing and they do so many things behind the scenes we never see, but that doesn't mean that they aren't hard at work. Having someone on your healthcare team to help support you and ask questions is an extra tool in your fertility toolbox!

If you're looking for some support, just want more information or want to pick my brain about things, book a free health consultation or initial assessment and let's get started on forming your prenatal and conception plan.
Click below or link in my bio
https://lnkd.in/eAEcuMfT
**es

𝗟𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 (𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 ~𝟭𝟴-𝟮𝟴) 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗬𝗮𝗻𝗴 & 𝗤𝗶

A time where progesterone rises and then falls towards the end as the uterus prepares for potential pregnancy by thickening the uterine lining. This phase starts when the egg begins its journey to the uterus. If the egg is not fertilized or doesn’t implant during this phase your body transitions to me**es.

In TCM this is consider the Qi phase, like the fall phase in your body and the metal element, with an overall goal of it is to slowly prepare and slow things down as your body naturally draws back. Most people will notice they get quite stagnant right before me**es and can develop symptoms of PMS like breast tenderness, digestive issues, irritability, sensitivity, cramping, etc. Everyone is different and if you have a condition like fibroids, endometriosis, painful periods, PCOS, or PMDD there may be different recommendations depending on your individual situation.

Activity – Strength
Weights, Pilates, barre, yoga – be gentle as period gets closer
Consistency in daily workout until menstruation

Diet – Nourishing foods, which you can prepare beforehand. Roasted and baked root veggies, big batch cooking, leftovers.
Complex carbs, Zinc, Vitamin B6, Magnesium, High fiber foods, slightly larger calorie intake

Herbs: Dandelion root, Burdock root, Red raspberry leaf, Ginger

Self-care: Clarify your needs, simplify and follow your intuition

In my latest blog I'm sharing all the important foods, activities and self care every lady should know about to optimize their health during the luteal phase of their cycle. You don't want to miss it! Click below or link in my bio to check out the entire post.

https://lnkd.in/eTpXwFGC



**es

𝗢𝘃𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 (𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 ~𝟭𝟯-𝟭𝟳) - 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗬𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗤𝗶 & 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱

A time where estrogen peaks triggering the pituitary gland to release Luteinizing Hormone and to start the process of ovulation and your fertility window. Ovulation is when a mature egg is released from one of the ovaries and moves along the fallopian tube towards the uterus.

In TCM this is considered the yang time, like the summer phase in your body and the fire element, with an overall goal of it is to build up yang energy and manifesting. Most people will notice them having more energy during this time and transition into more strenuous activity, even if they might not notice actual ovulation.

Activity – stamina and endurance

Diet – Nourishing foods, warm broths, and leafy greens can help you prepare and nourish the blood to make the next phase of your cycle less painful

Herbs: dandelion root, burdock root, turmeric

Self-care: Socialize, communicate, marketing, social media, network, negotiate, have fun

In my latest blog I'm sharing all the important foods, activities and self care every lady should know about to optimize their health during the ovulation phase of their cycle. You don't want to miss it! Click below or link in my bio to check out the entire post.
https://www.drhollylocke.ca/blog
**es

𝙃𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘽𝙤𝙙𝙮'𝙨 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙎𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙢

They are small chemical messengers that are excreted into our blood system from our endocrine glands - thyroid, ovaries, te**es, adrenal.
They are then transported in our blood to other glands, organs and other parts of our body to help regulate development, physiological changes, mood and behavior.

Hormone levels can be affected by:
- Age
- Genetics
- Health History
- Medications
- Illness
- Diet
- Physical Activity
- Emotional issues
- Stress

We all have hormones like; adrenaline, insulin, melatonin, cortisol, serotonin, dopamine, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, etc
However differences in production and how they interact within various organ systems is what makes us feel and see differences.

Hormones have the ability to overall create a domino effect within body. Whether it's a positive or negative.

Symptoms of Hormone Imbalances can include:
- PMS
- Anxiety/depression
- Fatigue
- Acne
- Digestive problems
- Appetite changes
- Trouble sleeping
- Irregular cycles
- Low libido
- Feeling overwhelmed/burnt out

Acupuncture can be a positive type of treatment for hormone imbalances. Acupuncture can influence the body's natural functions and regulatory mechanisms through complex reactions within the nervous and hormonal system.

If you're feeling a little off and want help bringing your balance back get in touch with me!

Downtown
West Springs
**es

𝙃𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘽𝙤𝙙𝙮'𝙨 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙎𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙢

They are small chemical messengers that are excreted into our blood system from our endocrine glands - thyroid, ovaries, te**es, adrenal.
They are then transported in our blood to other glands, organs and other parts of our body to help regulate development, physiological changes, mood and behavior.

Hormone levels can be affected by:
- Age
- Genetics
- Health History
- Medications
- Illness
- Diet
- Physical Activity
- Emotional issues
- Stress

We all have hormones like; adrenaline, insulin, melatonin, cortisol, serotonin, dopamine, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, etc
However differences in production and how they interact within various organ systems is what makes us feel and see differences.

Hormones have the ability to overall create a domino effect within body. Whether it's a positive or negative.

Symptoms of Hormone Imbalances can include:
- PMS
- Anxiety/depression
- Fatigue
- Acne
- Digestive problems
- Appetite changes
- Trouble sleeping
- Irregular cycles
- Low libido
- Feeling overwhelmed/burnt out

Acupuncture can be a positive type of treatment for hormone imbalances. Acupuncture can influence the body's natural functions and regulatory mechanisms through complex reactions within the nervous and hormonal system.

If you're feeling a little off and want help bringing your balance back get in touch with me!

Downtown
West Springs Summit Chiropractic + Health
**es

𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙚'𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘼𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝘼𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙪𝙣 . .

It’s important to take time and appreciate yourself! Self-care isn’t always in the form of moving your body, traveling, reading, mediating, spoiling yourself on something you’ve been wanting, etc. It’s about appreciating you, valuing who you are, who you’ve come to be and all that you’ve done!

Whatever and however you choose to show yourself some love and kindness, make sure you make time to appreciate you!

This past year has been one of the most challenging, frightening, developing years I have had in a very long time. I have learnt so much about myself. I have learnt that my knowledge is power, my strengths are compassion and kindness and I was truly meant to help others!

If someone would have asked me last year, or even in the last five years what I thought my life would look like today, I would not have expected this! But life is one of those great surprises that we don’t get a crystal ball along with it, we just have to see what happens and that’s what makes it special!

I am so proud of myself for everything that I have accomplished and so excited to see what this next year has in store for me.

So, here’s to me....

Regulating an irregular period isn’t a DIY activity. If you’ve notices changes in your cycle or stop getting a period, your irregularities might be a reason to try acupuncture.

There can be many different causes behind an irregular period. Periods can be affected by conditions and factors like:
- Pregnancy
- Oral contraceptives
- PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
- Perimenopause
- Thyroid disorders
- Weight changes
- Eating disorders
- Excessive exercise
- Stress

With a female’s reproductive cycle, your hormones are shifting extensively at each phase. These are all translated in Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture helps to build Yin, Yang and Qi while regulating blood and body fluids through each phase. It normalizes blood flow which causes the period to regulate, increases egg quality and regulates the cycle.

Acupuncture can promote the recovery of menstrual cycle through acupoint selection and manipulation. Modern studies have confirmed that stimulating relevant acupoints can regulate the function of hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis, help ovulation by promoting the development and secretion of follicles to improve the level of s*x hormones, increase your serotonin level and allows your body to self-regulate.

There are various acupuncture therapy applied for patients with irregular menstruation, such as filiform needles, electroacupuncture, scalp acupuncture, and acupuncture combined with medications. For women, acupuncture can help regulate reproductive issues such as an irregular menstruation. It could reduce stress, improve blood flow in the pelvic area, and thicken the endometrium to improve menstrual cycle.

Acupuncture is a natural and effective healing modality for women’s health in every stage of life.

If you are curious about treatment or want more details, book your Free Health Consult with Me!
Click below
https://summitchiropractichealth.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/3/treatment/14
**es

𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 (𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 ~ 𝟳-𝟭𝟮) - 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗬𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱

A time where estrogen begins to rise to help your body develop a fresh new lining after your shed. Your body also produces Follicle Stimulating Hormone which helps in developing a maturing follicle in the ovaries. This is important as a fully matured follicle will eventually release an egg during ovulation.

In TCM this is considered the yin phase, like the spring phase in your body and the wood element, with an overall goal of increasing your energy and building things up.

In this phase we want to nourish yin and blood. This means eating more nourishing foods and doing exercises and activities a little slower and quieter

Activity – moderate exercise and restorative movements

Diet – continue eating nourishing foods
Raw veggies and salads, blanching and roasting, fresh, vibrant light food, fresh with a baked side dish
Steamed and sauteed veggies

Herbs: nettle, basil – blood building herbs

Self-care - Focus on creative tasks, brainstorm, strategy, etc

Gardening, walks in nature, map out inspirations, create

In my last blog I'm sharing all the important foods, activities and self care every lady should know about to optimize their health during the follicular phase of their cycle. You don't want to miss it! Click below or link in my bio to check it out.
https://www.drhollylocke.ca/blog
**es

𝘗𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘥𝘴 ...

Have you ever struggled with painful periods including insane cramps, and thought this was normal? Periods can suck! Some women often suffer through their menstruation, and to combat the symptoms some women do take oral contraceptives and hope for the promised (and desperately wanting) lighter flow, fewer cramps and clearer skin.

But did you ever know Acupuncture can be another safe, effective and gentle modality other than just painkillers and medications. Who knew that being pricked with a bunch of tiny needles could help regulate a woman's cycle and relieve dysmenorrhea – painful period.

Acupuncture helps move the energy flow within a woman's body, which gets “stuck” and is thought to cause the pain we experience with every cycle. Stagnation is the main reason for menstrual cramps and PMS. Stasis is when the body’s energy and blood are stuck. Most women with stasis have mood swings, bloating and cramping with clots. Inserting acupuncture needles into strategic spots helps get the blood and energy flowing like it should regularly, alleviating many of our biggest menstrual symptoms .

For dysmenorrhea acupuncture is a great preventative measure, helping while you are feeling bad but also helps prevent painful cycles. Weekly treatment is common, but once to twice a month prior to or during your period works too for about 3-6 months. But women often see improvement after the first month. Some people improve and do not need further treatment. Others need ongoing or occasional maintenance by the way of monthly tune-ups around the start of your cycle.

If you’ve been struggling with heavy, painful and seemingly never-ending periods, you should give acupuncture a try. It certainly can’t hurt and just might be the self-care technique you’ve been missing to finally feel better each month.
To get start right away and book an appointment click the link below
https://summitchiropractichealth.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/3/treatment/7
**es

𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 ~𝟭-𝟲) - 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆

A time where progesterone and estrogen have suddenly dropped causing the lining to shed – starts your cycle

In TCM this phase is like the winter phase in your body and the water element, with an overall goal of is to lean into rest as your hormones are naturally lower, and resting to support the gentle circulation and discharge of blood and emotions . In this phase we want to move Qi and Blood.

TCM: pain free period, low pms symptoms, blood and yin are being lost-getting acupuncture during the is phase is directed at movement of blood in the uterus to reduce pain and treat other symptoms.

Avoid cold in the uterus – extreme menstrual pain – eat warm foods, apply heat to the uterus and dress warm to help the smooth flow of blood

Avoid emotional stress as much as you can before and during the cycle as it can cause Qi to stagnate.

Activity - prioritizing rest and gentle movement

Diet – warm, nutrient dense and easily digestible foods, nothing too heavy, blood boosting foods

Soups, stews, broths, more proteins and fats

Herbs- red raspberry leaf, nettle leaf, turmeric

Avoid sugary, heavy, greasy, dairy, cold and raw foods at this time as they can impede the circulation of fluids and blood

Self care - Rest, reflect and evaluate, journal, create intentions, trust instincts

Essential Oils - Lavender, rose, chamomile, jasmine

In my last blog I'm sharing all the important foods, activities and self care every lady should know about to optimize their health during the menstruation phase of their cycle. You don't want to miss it! Click below or link in my bio to check it out.
https://www.drhollylocke.ca/blog
**es

Finding ways to improve your mental health is so important and truly one of the best self-care practices you can do for yourself.

This world is a crazy and hectic place and it can easily take a toll on your emotional and mental health. More people than ever are dealing with mental health issues. Our mental health affects all areas of your life – how you think, feel, deal with situations, and take action.Without a healthy mind, it’s hard to live a healthy and fulfilling life.

Acupuncture has become a staple in complementary care. Acupuncture helps to remove blockages and restore energy flow, balancing your organs, mind, and body. One of the methods for treating anxiety is auricular acupuncture.

The basis of auricular acupuncture is the fact that the human ear is actually a microsystem and represents the rest of the anatomical body on the outer auricle portion. Through the stimulation of specific spots on the ear certain conditions, such as anxiety, can then be treated.

• Difficulty Sleeping – falling asleep or staying asleep, restless and unsatisfying slumber
• Muscle Tension – constant balling of the fists, flexing of muscles or even jaw clenching
• Excessive Worrying – thoughts occur persistently on most days of the week for months on end and interfere with daily life
• Digestive Issues – irritable bowel syndrome, nausea and diarrhea
• Constant Tiredness –strain caused by anxiety can leave people feeling fatigued or cause headaches

In addition to bringing relief from anxiety, auricular therapy has other benefits compared to medications. Typically, anti-anxiety medication can cause adverse side effects, but this is not a concern with auricular therapy. Patients experience a reduction in their symptoms after their very first auricular therapy session and can continue to diminish several days after the treatment session.

Make your emotional, psychological and social wellbeing a priority today, and your body and mind will thank you for it. For more information on getting help with your mental health struggle contact me https://www.drhollylocke.ca/contact-us
**es

𝘝𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘴 & 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘴 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘖𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯'𝘴 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩...

There are tons of different vitamins, minerals, supplements and herbs out there. Today I'm talking about a few options to help with women's stress, energy and immunity.

With so many offered, it's hard to know what you actually really need. Personal vitamin needs will vary. Here are some of the top vitamins and minerals to help with stress, energy and immunity:

Iron - support immune function and energy levels

Vitamin B12 - improve energy and mood

Calcium - help support proper function of heart, nervous system and muscles

Magnesium - boosts mood and helps reduce PMS symptoms

Vitamin D - promotes brain and immune function

Zinc - helps balance functional metabolism

Omega 3 Fatty Acids - immune support and hormone balancing

Vitamin C - immune development

Vitamins and minerals aren't always just the answer for helping you feel better.
Supporting your personal optimal health requires a comprehensive approach with good nutrition and clean lifestyle choices.

Not sure what vitamins you should be taking and don't want to be taking a whole pile of pills? Let's chat. I offer free health consultations for that exact reason. We'll chat about where you've been struggling with your health and what the best next steps might be for you to start having more energy and feeling better!
Click the link below for more info.
https://summitchiropractichealth.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/3/treatment/14
**es

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲...

At some point, everyone has had to go through various types of stress. However, when it becomes persistent and gets to chronic levels, it not only makes you feel awful emotionally but can also bring about various health problems to women.

You might be wondering what can stress do to a woman’s body?
Stress can be link to:
- Depression & Anxiety
- Obesity & Heart Disease
- Sexual & Reproductive Dysfunction
- Skin Disorders
- Ulcers & Stomach Issues
- Memory & Concentration Problems

In my latest blog I’m sharing all about the relationship between stress and disease and steps that you can take to help prevent it.
You don’t wanna miss it!
Click below OR link in bio to check it out
https://www.drhollylocke.ca/blog
**es

Are you struggling with painful periods, trouble sleeping through the night, constantly feeling bloated, or fighting the flush of hot flashes?!

Traditional Medicine therapy's like acupuncture may help you find relief in your symptoms in any stage of life.

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years from everything from pain, indigestion, sleep, stress and even child birth.

Today I use acupuncture to help with very specific women's health issues.

Consider trying acupuncture for:
~ Menstrual issues: intense cramping, headaches, clotting or mood swings associated with their menstrual cycle. Acupuncture can help to regulate your cycle and lessen pain by normalizing blood flow
~ Peri/Menopause - hot flashes, night sweats and insomnia. These symptoms can be brought on or intensified by stress, anxiety and changes in your hormones. Acupuncture targets your hormonal imbalances, allowing you to hopefully stress less and sleep better.
~ Pelvic pain due to Endometriosis: swelling and severe pain, endometriosis can be debilitating. Acupuncture causes the brain to stimulate your body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals – lessening your pain and improving blood circulation to reduce swelling.
~ Fertility: whether it's natural, medication, IUI or with IVF conceiving can cause stress, which can disrupt the flow of your fertility hormones. Having an irregular menstrual cycle can also affect your likelihood of getting pregnant. Lessening your stress and improving your blood flow can help regulate ovulation. Acupuncture can help address all of these issues.
~ High stress and poor sleep: Too much stress can lead to poor diet and sleep habits. Acupuncture can work to relax you and restore your body’s natural circadian rhythms so that you can live a healthier, more stress-free life.

Every woman is different. Your individual experience with pain or health issues can have negative effects on how you go about your everyday routine. Acupuncture can help relieve your symptoms and get you back to living the life you want to live.
**es
**es