Acupuncture Denver

🌿 FAQ: Does Acupuncture Hurt? 🤔
One of the most common questions we get is, “Does acupuncture hurt?” Let’s clear that up! 👇

Q: Does acupuncture hurt?
A: Not really! Acupuncture needles are extremely thin—about the width of a human hair. Most people feel little to no pain when they’re inserted. You might feel a slight pinch or tingling sensation, but it’s usually minimal and brief. In fact, many clients find the experience relaxing and even fall asleep during their sessions! 😴

Here’s what you can expect:
* Gentle Sensations: You may feel warmth, a dull ache, or a light tingling, but these are normal and often mean the treatment is working.
* No Long-Lasting Pain: Any initial sensation usually fades quickly, leaving you feeling relaxed and at ease.
* Comfort is Key: We always check in with you during your session to make sure you’re comfortable.

First on-site FET treatment at Kindbody Denver . We are honored to be part of their team for embryo transfers!

Magnesium for Fertility & Pregnancy. Spotlight on our favorite supplement! https://acudenver.com/blog/23129/Magnesium-for-Fertility-Pregnancy

Can acupuncture be beneficial during pregnancy?

🌟 Join us for a Free Women's Infertility Support Group on August 21st from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm! 🌟

This supportive and empowering group is designed to provide a safe space for women to share their experiences and find healing through guided meditation and discussion on topics like coping with stress and grief. Led by Alana D'Ambrosio, a passionate therapist specializing in fertility challenges.

📅 Mark your calendars and join us online!

Learn more here: https://acudenver.com/events/5758/Women-s-Infertility-Support-Group--Free----August-21

What are the needles like?

How many treatments are necessary?

Zou Gui Wan: A Natural Ally for Female Fertility > https://acudenver.com/blog/22995/Zou-Gui-Wan-A-Natural-Ally-for-Female-Fertility

Zou Gui Wan: A Natural Ally for Female Fertility - In this article we'll delve into the world of Zou Gui Wan and explore how this herbal formula has gained recognition for its potential to enhance female fertility, backed by references to scientific studies. https://acudenver.com/blog/22995/Zou-Gui-Wan-A-Natural-Ally-for-Female-Fertility

Acupuncture in Early Pregnancy
> https://acudenver.com/blog/20797/Acupuncture-in-Early-Pregnancy

Acupuncture in Early Pregnancy - It’s such a joy when we hear from our clients that they’re pregnant. But we also understand that it can be a time full of worries and fears, as well as the excitement and anticipation. Supportive care for early pregnancy with acupuncture and Chinese Medicine is about providing emotional support, physical relief for common first trimester ailments, and about offering our clients information on diet, lifestyle, and self-care. In this blog post, we discuss supportive care in the first trimester. https://acudenver.com/blog/20797/Acupuncture-in-Early-Pregnancy

How long does a treatment take?

Wonderful resource for our community! Uniquely Knitted Process Groups for Infertility - https://www.uniquelyknitted.org/programs/process-groups

The Benefits of Choline During Pregnancy
> https://acudenver.com/blog/23144/The-Benefits-of-Choline-During-Pregnancy

The Benefits of Choline During Pregnancy: Pregnancy is a critical period where maternal nutrition significantly impacts the health and development of the baby. While many are familiar with the importance of nutrients like folic acid and iron during pregnancy, choline is an essential but often overlooked nutrient that plays a crucial role in fetal development. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of choline during pregnancy and provide research-backed insights into why this nutrient should not be neglected.

We recommend that all our pregnant patients take at least 450-550mg of extra Choline in pregnancy and during breastfeeding. I got obsessed with Choline after reading Hidden Valley Road, the book that has now been turned into a Netflix docu-series Six Schizophrenic Brothers, about the Galvin family from Colorado Springs. In the book, it detailed the importance of Choline in reducing the expression of the mutation this family shared and how it also affects placental health. Since we have seen so many older women who have experienced pre-eclampsia, it made me look further into choline as a possible preventative treatment for pre-eclampsia and the research I found, especially this NIH Study, seems to bear that out: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6722688/



What is Choline?

Choline is a water-soluble nutrient that is often grouped with the B vitamins. It is essential for various bodily functions, including the synthesis of phospholipids (critical components of cell membranes), neurotransmitter synthesis (important for brain function), and methylation processes (vital for gene expression). The body can produce some choline, but not in sufficient amounts, making dietary intake crucial.



Five Benefits of Choline During Pregnancy


1. Brain Development and Cognitive Function

One of the most significant benefits of choline during pregnancy is its role in fetal brain development. Research has shown that adequate choline intake is crucial for the development of the hippocampus, the brain region responsible for memory and learning. A study conducted by Caudill et al. (2018) found that higher maternal choline intake during the third trimester was associated with improved cognitive function in infants at 7 and 13 months of age .



2. Prevention of Neural Tube Defects

Choline is vital for neural tube closure during early fetal development, which occurs within the first few weeks of pregnancy. Neural tube defects (NTDs), such as spina bifida, are serious birth defects that affect the spine and brain. Adequate choline intake has been linked to a reduced risk of NTDs. A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology indicated that women with higher choline intake had a significantly lower risk of giving birth to babies with NTDs .



3. Liver Health

During pregnancy, the liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing nutrients and maintaining overall health. Choline deficiency can lead to liver dysfunction, including fatty liver disease. Ensuring adequate choline intake helps support liver health and function, which is vital for both the mother and the developing fetus .



4. Placental Function

The placenta is the lifeline between mother and baby, facilitating nutrient and oxygen exchange. Choline contributes to the structural integrity of cell membranes and is essential for the formation and function of the placenta. Proper placental function is crucial for a healthy pregnancy and fetal development .


5. Reduced Risk of Preterm Birth

Emerging research suggests that choline may help reduce the risk of preterm birth. A study by Zeisel (2013) found that higher choline intake during pregnancy was associated with a lower incidence of preterm births. This finding highlights the importance of choline in supporting full-term pregnancies and reducing complications associated with prematurity .


Dietary Sources of Choline

The recommended adequate intake (AI) of choline for pregnant women is 450 mg per day. However, many pregnant women do not meet this requirement through diet alone. Foods rich in choline include:



- Eggs: One large egg contains about 147 mg of choline.

- Meat and Poultry: Beef liver, chicken, and turkey are excellent sources.

- Fish: Salmon and cod provide substantial amounts of choline.

- Dairy Products: Milk and yogurt contain moderate amounts of choline.

- Legumes and Nuts: Peanuts and soybeans are plant-based sources of choline.



Choline is a critical nutrient for pregnant women, contributing to the healthy development of the baby's brain, preventing neural tube defects, supporting liver and placental function, and potentially reducing the risk of preterm birth. Despite its importance, many pregnant women may not be getting enough choline through their diets. Therefore, it is essential to be mindful of choline intake and consider dietary adjustments or supplements if necessary. We recommend 450-550 mg per day with food and keep Choline in stock for all of our pregnant and breastfeeding clients.

Ensuring adequate choline intake during pregnancy can have long-lasting benefits for both mother and child, making it a key nutrient for a healthy pregnancy.



References:



1. Caudill, M. A., Strupp, B. J., Muscalu, L., Nevins, J. E. H., & Canfield, R. L. (2018). Maternal choline supplementation during the third trimester of pregnancy improves infant information processing speed: a randomized, double-blind, controlled feeding study. *The FASEB Journal*, 32(4), 2172-2180.

2. Shaw, G. M., Carmichael, S. L., Yang, W., Selvin, S., Schaffer, D. M., & Finnell, R. H. (2004). Choline and risk of neural tube defects in a folate-fortified population. *American Journal of Epidemiology*, 160(2), 102-109.

3. Zeisel, S. H. (2006). Choline: critical role during fetal development and dietary requirements in adults. *Annual Review of Nutrition*, 26, 229-250.

4. Best, K. P., Gold, M., & Kennedy, D. (2016). Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids for preventing preterm birth. *The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews*, (10).

5. Zeisel, S. H. (2013). Nutritional importance of choline for brain development. *Journal of the American College of Nutrition*, 22(4), 321-329.

http://dlvr.it/T8M7N5

What are Acupuncture points and meridians?

Treating Endometriosis with Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine
> https://acudenver.com/blog/20892/Treating-Endometriosis-with-Acupuncture-Chinese-Medicine

The goals of endometriosis treatment are similar in Eastern and Western medicine: to relieve or reduce symptoms, slow or shrink endometrial growths, preserve fertility, and prevent recurrence of the disease. In this blog post, we discuss treating endometriosis with acupuncture & Chinese medicine. https://acudenver.com/blog/20892/Treating-Endometriosis-with-Acupuncture-Chinese-Medicine