In Virginia, late February to summer tends to be the worst for allergy sufferers. According to an article from VirginiaENT.com: “Tree pollens such as oak, maple, and river birch are blooming during this time. The dry wind we see in early spring will spread allergens and raise the pollen count.” To make matters worse, there is evidence that pollen season is getting longer thanks to climate change.

To help resolve stagnant Liver energy, I typically recommend a combination of acupuncture, physical activity, de-stressing activities such as meditation, and foods known for their “moving” energetic properties. Foods that fall into this category are often pungent, sour and/or sweet by nature.

For many, access to acupuncture treatments are limited by time and financial constraints. The group-treatment model at The Acupuncture Lounge in Carytown aims to change that dynamic.

Labor preparation (prebirth) and induction acupuncture are two methods toward the same end — a labor and delivery with positive outcomes for birthing person and baby. However, the energy and intention behind each technique is quite different, as is the body of evidence to support their efficacy.

I was fortunate to work with two incredible acupuncturists throughout both of my pregnancies: Dr. Christine Cannon in Denver with my first in 2019, and Kristina Aschenbach in Richmond with my second in 2021.

Pregnancy affects each person differently, and subsequent pregnancies often affect the same body in different ways. Fluctuations in hormones can cause disruption physically and emotionally throughout pregnancy, causing symptoms such as nausea, depression, and gastrointestinal issues, and a growing baby often causes discomfort in the low back and pelvis especially during the third trimester.