Integrating Chinese Medicine with The Dao Health

For our first episode for 2023, Georgia and Elizabeth share their insight into what actually is the Fourth Trimester from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective. Also known as Zuo Yue Zi, the Fourth Trimester is the first forty days post giving birth. Your hosts delve into what this confinement period looks like culturally in China and in other traditions around the world and how this practice can be implemented into your postpartum period realistically in the Western world.After discussing the five insights to consider implementing into the first forty days, Elizabeth and Georgia discuss how Acupuncture, Mother Warming treatment and Chinese Dietary Therapy are key elements of support in the fourth trimester. They discuss Placenta Encapsulation and why to reconsider this practice, building your support network before Baby arrives as well as setting expectations of how you would like the first forty days to be post birth.Your hosts then dive into how an integrative model of care in the fourth trimester benefits the new mother in addition to where to seek support for your mental health. Resources discussed in this episode - The Golden Month by Jenny Allison https://www.chinabooks.com.au/search.cfm?UR=43703&search_stage=details&records_to_display=50&this_book_number=19The First Forty Days by Heng Ou https://motherbees.com/pages/book-the-first-forty-daysThe Dao Does journal post - TCM Postpartum Brothhttps://thedaohealth.com.au/the-dao-does-postpartum-tcm-broth/The Dao Does journal post - Placenta Encapsulationhttps://thedaohealth.com.au/why-you-should-reconsider-placenta-encapsulation/Pig Trotter Soup recipe for milk supplyhttps://whitepineinstitute.org/chinese-herbs-for-lactation/PANDA Postnatal support https://panda.org.au/Follow us on Instagram @integratingchinesemedicine If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe and share a review to ensure we continue to bring you the most relevant and evidence based information and education in an integrative healthcare setting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In season 2, Episode 10; PCOS diagnosis & recurrent miscarriage, all your questions answered​, Elizabeth & Georgia interview reproductive specialist and gynaecologist Dr Helen Peric from City Fertility. Dr Peric completed her medicine degree at Sydney University, and later undertook specialist training in obstetrics and gynaecology at Westmead Hospital as well as Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney. This led her to an interest in infertility and reproductive medicine and sub-specialty training at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Genea.During this conversation, Dr Peric discusses PCOS diagnosis and Fertility. She explains the criteria for accurately diagnosing PCOS, how it can be misdiagnosed as well as emphasising the importance of regular cycles not only for menstrual health and fertility but also general health. From there, Dr Peric talks about her research into MTHFR gene mutation and her findings associated with miscarriage. She also delves into the diagnosis of recurrent miscarriage, and tests that she recommends to her patients who have experienced recurrent miscarriage. To finish off, Dr Peric gives advice to women and couples on their fertility journey.If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe and share a review to ensure we continue to bring you the most relevant and evidence based information and education in an integrative healthcare setting.For more information head to The Dao Health.Follow us on instagram @integratingchinesemedicine and @thedao Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Season 2, episode 9; “A midwife's wisdom into pregnancy, birth and postpartum with Midwife Em”, Elizabeth and Georgia chat with Midwife Em. Em is a registered midwife and has worked across multiple different hospitals, including two major tertiary level hospitals, predominantly in a postnatal setting caring for women and families. She is the host of her own podcast, “Welcome to the Womb”, which is an educational platform for women and families wanting to know more about pregnancy, birth, babies and the postpartum.During this interview, Elizabeth and Georgia delve into all facets of pregnancy and birth. They begin the conversation from the first moment a woman and her partner find out she is pregnant, and the next steps that ensue as she begins her pregnancy journey. Em discusses care provider options for pregnancy, she explains tests and scans that are offered throughout each trimester, as well as empowering the conversation about what tests and scans are optional and required. During this conversation Em talks about ‘colostrum expressing' and the reasons why a woman shouldn't be worried if she isn't able to collect any, she explores ideas around preparation for labour and informs us about labour induction options. Midwife Em is an advocate for the postpartum period, and emphasises the importance of ensuring a new mother supports not only her new baby's health but also her own physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe and share a review to ensure we continue to bring you the most relevant and evidence based information and education in an integrative healthcare setting.For more information head to The Dao Health.Follow us on instagram @integratingchinesemedicine and @thedaoIf you want to hear more from Em head to:Instagram @midwife_em and @welcometo.thewomb Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Season 2, Episode 8; 'The ABC of Acupuncture, Bioscience and CBD oil for Endometriosis', Elizabeth and Georgia interview Dr Mike Armour who is currently a senior research fellow in reproductive health at NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University. Dr Mike Armour's passion is in Women's Health and he has extensive experience in research specifically pain conditions including Endometriosis and Dysmennorrhea. Dr Mike is heavily involved in research and treatment of Endometriosis and he was the invited complementary medicine expert on the Endometriosis expert working group (EEWG) for the Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Gynaecologists ( RANZCOG ).During this interview, Elizabeth and Georgia discuss with Mike current research and clinical trials being completed in the Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture realm. Mike explains why Acupuncture dosage is important for therapeutic benefits especially for Endometriosis and pain conditions, he discusses his current research and clinical trial into Chinese Herbal Medicines for Endometriosis pain management as well as delving into emerging research into the benefits of CBD oil for symptom management of Endometriosis. He also explains and compares the different mechanisms of both CBD and THC and explains why the research into both of these counterparts are important and beneficial for pain management.Mike unpacks promising research into the benefits of Acupuncture and discusses what he hopes to see for the future of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture in Australia.If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe and share a review to ensure we continue to bring you the most relevant and evidence based information and education in an integrative healthcare setting.For more information head to The Dao Health. Follow us on instagram @integratingchinesemedicine and @thedao See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Season 2, Episode 7: The Pelvic Floor, Pregnancy and Childbirth from a Women's Health Physio perspective with Jo Murdoch and Tamara Woods, Elizabeth and Georgia learn from Jo Murdoch and Tamara Woods, Pelvic Health and Musculoskeletal physiotherapists, Directors of The Physiotherapy Clinic & founders of Born Ready - A birth course focusing on empowering women with in depth knowledge about birth and how to prepare their bodies for birth. In this episode the Pelvic Health Physiotherapists explain the connection of Women's Health and Pelvic Floor health and what a patient can expect from their first Women's Health internal physiotherapy appointment. Jo and Tamara share the best time to have a pelvic floor check up when family planning and when in pregnancy when the pelvic floor should be checked. Following pregnancy, we unpack when the pelvic floor should be assessed, is this only for vaginal births and why it is important to have clearance before returning to exercise. Tamara and Jo share what the Born Ready course is, why they created the course and what purpose it has to prepare women and their birth partner's for labour. We discussing positioning in the labour, the link between fear and pain and why patients possibly have improved birth outcomes when feeling empowered through education. If you enjoyed this episode please like, subscribe and share a review to ensure we continue to bring you the most relevant and evidence based information and education in an integrative healthcare setting.For more information head to The Dao Health. Follow us on Instagram @thedao. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Season Two, Episode Six we had the absolute pleasure to have City Fertility's Medical Director, Fertility and Miscarriage specialist, Dr Devora Lieberman as a guest on the podcast unpacking Fertility, IVF, IVM and where to next. Dr Devora gives us an insight into a day in the life of a Fertility and Reproductive specialist and when an individual or couple should seek out a reproductive specialist. We discuss if IVF ( In vitro fertilisation ) is the only option and three important questions an individual or couple should ask a fertility specialist when considering reproductive treatment.Dr Lieberman then unpacks the terms IUI ( Intrauterine insemination ), IVF and ICSI ( Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection ) and we discuss what IVM ( In vitro maturation ) is, how it differs to IVF and where it has a place in fertility treatment. Georgia and Elizabeth learn about the research into IVM and who the perfect candidate is to have this alternative from IVF. From there Dr Devora discusses how an individual's fertility journey is their own as well as a patient being an advocate for themselves whilst undergoing treatment. We discuss live birth outcomes from Frozen and Fresh embryos and delve into the topic of IVF Add On's, what they are and when are they necessary. We finish with why a patient centred model of care is beneficial and why it is important that patients openly communicate with their fertility specialist about other treatment they are receiving. We thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful discussion and took a lot away from it, we hope you do too.For more information head to The Dao Health. Follow us on Instagram @thedao. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Season 2, Episode 5, Georgia and Elizabeth have the absolute pleasure to interview Dr Amani Harris, an advanced laparoscopic and robotic gynaecological surgeon, obstetrician and fertility specialist based in Sydney, Australia sharing her knowledge about Endometriosis and Adenomyosis on the Integrating Chinese Medicine podcast.In this episode we discuss how Endometriosis effects Fertility and Pregnancy as well as the process of finding out you have Endometriosis and what a diagnosis and treatment can look like. From there, Dr Amani Harris unpacks our burning questions about types of Laparoscopies and post Laparoscopy management including types of Contraception and an emphasis on lifestyle advice than can be made to improve quality of life. The hosts then delve into the symptoms, management and treatment of Endometriosis' evil sister Adenomysosis and how they differ and relate. We hope you enjoy this episode and continue raising awareness for our communities' Endo warriors by continuing the conversation about these two debilitating conditions being a whole body condition rather than a Women's Health issue. For more information head to The Dao Health. Follow us on Instagram @thedao. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode 4, Season 2: The Ancient Art of Breathwork, Elizabeth and Georgia chat with Yoga and breathwork teacher, Kate Kendall. Kate is the co-founder and director of Yoga at Flow Athletic, Paddington. She is passionate about the benefits of breathwork and is a wealth of knowledge in the practice and teaching of this ancient art form.During this episode, Kate discusses the benefits of breathwork and ways to begin to incorporate this style of practice into our daily lives, she delves into the meaning of Kriya and how this ancient practice amongst others helps support our Parasympathetic Nervous System state, our digestion, our energy as well as our overall wellbeing. Kate explains some simple strategies into beginning breathwork practice and we finish off with Kate giving us her three top tips on ways to manage and reduce stress.​For more information head to The Dao Health. Follow us on Instagram @thedao. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

*We apologise for the audio quality of this episode*On Episode Three of Season Two, we have the pleasure to interview our Paddington neighbour Anthia Koullouros from Apotheca by Anthia. Anthia has been in clinical practice for 27 years, during this time she has created her own brand of certified organic teas, tisanes, herbs & elixirs which now goes by the name Apotheca by Anthia, she has released the book ‘I Am Food' and is an ongoing advocate for a natural, whole food, natural medicine and toxic chemical-free lifestyle.In this episode, we find out how Anthia got into Naturopathy and her ethos of treating patients. We delve into the importance of our gut health and the role it plays for our hormones, fertility and our overall wellbeing. The role of the Vagus nerve is discussed and how it is connected to our mental and emotional health. From there, we discuss the benefits Anthia sees for her patients when working alongside a Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist. We jump into detoxing and Anthia's perspective on what realistic and seasonal detoxing can look like to support the body. The relationship with eating seasonally is discussed and how we can implement this into our lives. We unpack the impact social media has on diets and styles of eating and challenge the misinformation provided. From there we ask Anthia about her three top tips to reduce toxic build up and live a more holistic lifestyle. For more information head to The Dao Health. Follow us on Instagram @thedao. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It was a pleasure to have our first guest for 2022 on the Integrating Chinese Medicine podcast, Leah Cindric. Leah Cindric from Skin by Leah Cindric is a cosmetic nurse. Leah places importance of medical knowledge, critical thinking, analysis and the need to educate and empower clients. In Episode 2 for Season 2, Leah guides us through the types of Acne, aggravating factors and her treatment approach to managing Acne. We discuss unfair expectations of perfect skin in society and the role female hormones play.After unpacking the three types of Pigmentation we challenge the buzz phrase of anti-ageing and discuss Anti-Wrinkle Injections, PDO threading and fillers. We finish off with a topic Elizabeth and Georgia are passionate about when treating skin, treating inside and out with external and internal care. Finally, we finish off with Leah's number one skincare tip and we think you will love this one.For more information head to The Dao Health. Follow us on Instagram @thedao. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The first episode of 2022 of the Integrating Chinese Medicine podcast, Georgia and Elizabeth debunk everything you thought you knew about period pain.In Season 2 Episode 1, Primary Dysmenorrhea is explained and the accepted ‘normal monthly period pain' is challenged. Secondary Dysmenorrhea and the underlying causes and conditions are shared following with how Acupuncture manages pain.In this episode, current research with Traditional Chinese Medicine and treating menstrual conditions is described. The hosts dive into the causes of Primary and Secondary Dysmenorrhea from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, and discuss practical lifestyle tips on how to manage period pain and how to become familiar with your own cycle.For more information head to The Dao Health. Follow us on Instagram @thedao. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode Fourteen, “Approaching psychology & psychotherapy to understand your mental health​”, Elizabeth and Georgia have the pleasure of interviewing Rashida Dungarwalla, psychologist and founder of Flow State Space to discuss the importance of addressing emotional stress and anxiety. They unpack the power of beginning to understand thoughts and actions associated with mental and emotional wellbeing and the benefits of working with an experienced psychologist to manage emotional stress. During this chat, the terms "burn out" and "pandemic fatigue" associated with the current COVID-19 pandemic are explored and they discuss ways to support yourself during times of uncertainty. Rashida unpacks terms of vulnerability and window of tolerance, and discusses ways to identify if you or a friend/ family member is struggling with these symptoms and how to seek support.For more information head to The Dao Health. Follow us on Instagram @thedao. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode 13, The importance of preparation for IVF and Egg Vitrification / Freezing your Eggs ​ Elizabeth and Georgia have the pleasure to explore the brain of Dr Natasha Andreadis, Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist who works primarily in IVF and Fertility Care, Hormone Health and Hysteroscopic surgical procedures and host of the women's health and fertility podcast The Fanny Mechanic.In this episode we discuss IVF ( In Vitro Fertilisation ) and the importance of preconception care as well how to best prepare the body for upcoming IVF cycles. We chat about when to consider IVF and the importance of timing for when to begin IVF as well as when to consider a break. Dr Andreadis gives us insight on how to best equipped for your appointment with your IVF specialist and we touch on IVF 'add ons' including ICSI ( Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection ) .We then delve into all things Egg Vitrification, including when to consider the process of freezing your eggs and the relevance of preconception care for preparing for the procedure. We discuss what to expect from Egg Vitrification and the process as well as AMH ( Anti Mullerian Hormone ) testing.Dr Andreadis is a specialist we regularly refer to and we finish this episode with a chat on the role of Integrative Medicine and how Dr Tash sees a patient's fertility journey benefit from complementary care.For more information head to The Dao Health. Follow us on Instagram @thedao. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode Eleven - So you are ready to have a baby, now what? Part Two​, Elizabeth and Georgia discuss the role of Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners in fertility, discussing the major organ systems and meridians that play a role in Reproductive Health. When to seek further investigation is discussed including different factors and timing of preconception care. The hosts then dive into the importance of Folinic acid and how it differs to Folic acid and how supplementation is not a 'one size fits all' approach. For more information head to The Dao Health. Follow us on Instagram @thedao. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode Eleven ‘So you are ready to have a baby, now what' Part One, Georgia and Elizabeth unpack the pressure of conception that women and their partners can put on themselves. They delve into the meaning of preconception care discussing AMH levels, statistics of pregnancy according to age and the realistic chances of conception are each month. They are passionate about educating women about the importance of their overall health and making space for a baby, also understanding their menstrual cycle, fertility window and the likelihood of conception each month. Miscarriage is unpacked with the emphasis of surrounding support for the couple in addition to discussing when is the right time to plan another pregnancy.For more information head to The Dao Health. Follow us on Instagram @thedao. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode 10 we unpack the mysteries behind internal pelvic floor treatment with Heidi Barlow, Women's Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist from Flow Physio Co. in the Sutherland Shire, Sydney. We discuss what is internal pelvic floor treatment, what training is required to practice internal pelvic floor treatment and who would benefit. We delve into what conditions can be treated including painful periods, Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, Vaginismus, Dyspareunia and Menopause. Also discussing the role the pelvic floor has from preconception care, pregnancy through to postnatal care.For more information head to The Dao Health. Follow us on Instagram @thedao. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode Nine we have the pleasure of interviewing Natalie K. Douglas, a qualified holistic dietician and nutritionist, speaker, and host of The Holistic Nutritionist podcast who we regularly practice shared care with for our patients. In this podcast about the Thyroid, we begin to unpack the significant role that this gland has in our bodiesand how it's function supports our menstrual cycle, pregnancy and post partum experience. We discuss lifestyle support which can benefit our Thyroid health and the importance of investigating the Thyroid's function in all chapters of our menstrual cycle journey. ​For more information head to The Dao Health. Follow us on Instagram @thedao.If you like this episode please remember to share, rate, review and subscribe. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Similar to the cycles of menstruation and pregnancy, the transition into menopause is a time of conscious change rather than a disease to be treated. It is through understanding the transition and adapting to hormonal changes by supporting the body through early intervention and creating lifestyle changes that improve overall wellbeing, both physical and psychologically. In this podcast Georgia and Elizabeth discuss Perimenopause, Menopause, practical ways to implement lifestyle advice as well as the importance of self education. ​For more information head to The Dao Health. Follow us on Instagram @thedao.If you like this episode please remember to share, rate, review and subscribe. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode 7 we have our first guest, Stephanie Hipwell talking about training with your cycle. Stephaie is a personal trainer at Newlife Health Club, Caringbah and founder of Body Bloom Fitness, a female group training program located in Cronulla. Stephanie has been in the industry for 9 years working with women of all ages , assisting them to better health by creating a balanced lifestyle that is achievable and effective. Stephanie has a greater understanding of the physiological differences between male and female and how you can work with these differences to better your performance and mental state. In this podcast we unpack training in different stages of your cycle and how to support optimal performance in each phase. Through the podcast it is clear how passionate Stephanie is about helping women train alongside their menstrual cycle and we hope you can takeaway tips for your training. ​For more information head to The Dao Health. Follow us on Instagram @thedao.If you like this episode please remember to share, rate, review and subscribe. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode six we discuss the importance of sperm health for conception and for general wellbeing in males. In reproductive health and fertility, male factors play a 40% role in conception, therefore an understanding into different factors that can affect sperm health is imperative. Elizabeth and Georgia delve into the importance of these lifestyle and diet factors that can affect male fertility, they discuss testing available for males and give insight into male reproductive health from a holistic perspective. We hope this podcast gives males and couples an insight into the important and critical role they play in fertility and conception.For more information head to The Dao Health. Follow us on Instagram @thedao.If you like this episode please remember to share, rate, review and subscribe. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode Five we discuss the benefits of Acupuncture during pregnancy. Ancient texts Acupuncture has been used in China for Obstetrics since the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). In modern society in Western culture, patients who are seeking a drug free solution to medical symptoms and conditions throughout their pregnancy can safely use Acupuncture as a modality for treatment.Georgia and Elizabeth delve into the role of a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner through a woman's pregnancy and the importance of being under the care of an experienced practitioner trained specifically in pregnancy. Together, we will unpack each trimester of pregnancy, labour preparation and discuss misconceptions around acupuncture to induce labour. We hope this podcast brings confidence to pregnant women to consider Acupuncture treatment as a primary source of healthcare throughout their gestation. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode Four we discuss the mysteries behind Cosmetic Acupuncture, how the treatment physically effects the body and who this treatment is most suitable for. Supported by over 5000 years of documentation Georgia and Elizabeth unpack how this gentle and non invasive facial treatment is used in a Traditional Chinese Medicine Framework and why it is important to not only treat the face but also the internal body. Cosmetic Acupuncture plays a role not only as a natural alternative for botox but also for a range of skin conditions and concerns and this will be delved into in this podcast. For more information head to The Dao Health. Follow us on Instagram @thedao.If you like this episode please remember to share, rate, review and subscribe. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode we become familiar with the ebbs and flow of the menstrual cycle. We discuss these as seasons and unpack ways to navigate summer through to winter with lifestyle advice from and Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective. From viewing each stage of the menstrual cycle as seasons this can support you and your understanding of the follicular and luteal phase of the cycle by using self care strategies and specific tools to ensure a smooth transition. For more information head to The Dao Health. Follow us on Instagram @thedao.If you like this episode please remember to share, rate, review and subscribe. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the second episode of Integrating Chinese Medicine with The Dao Health, hosts Elizabeth Cullen and Georgia Fong unpack the diagnosis of Amenorrhea from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, they discuss how Amenorrhea is treated in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Self Care strategies to incorporate into one's daily lifestyle to support the body for the period to return.For more information head to The Dao Health. Follow us on Instagram @thedao.If you like this episode please remember to share, rate, review and subscribe. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the first episode of Integrating Chinese Medicine with The Dao Health, hosts Elizabeth Cullen and Georgia Fong unpack the diagnosis of Amenorrhea, delving into causes of why the period goes missing from a conventional medicine perspective, why there is fluctuations in the menstrual cycle as well as support with Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment practices. For more information head to The Dao Health. Follow us on Instagram @thedao.If you like this episode please remember to share, rate, review and subscribe. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.