Jane Cheung, R.TCMP & Associates

Welcome to Our New Home
We have moved! Located at 198 Des Newman Blvd. (new Whitby Health Center), we are happy to call this place our home as we continue to promote a healthier community in the Durham region.

We are located at main floor, east wing.
From the main entrance, keep going straight until you reach the elevators at the end. Then turn right. You will see our clinic on the left side.

Please note that construction of the building is still ongoing. For your safety, avoid all restricted areas. If any of the building supervisors ask, mention that you have an appointment with us (they are nice and friendly yet cautious of people who should or should not be there). We are doing our best to be mindful and respectful of each other’s safety until the building is completely finished.

Parking is free - temporarily
As construction is expected to be ongoing throughout the summer 2024, parking gates at one of, or both of the two entrances, will be up. So don't be looking for a parking ticket at this time.

We knew it would be happening a few years ago but we never thought it's now coming up around the corner! After over 20 years in downtown Oshawa, Fred and Jane will be moving to this new location next Spring. It is closer to where Jane lives at least (and looks forward to riding her bike to work more). It will be a new change for all of us🚴🏼🌳

Breastfeeding as a new mother can be challenging both physically and mentally. We know that breast is best, but it can also be painful, exhausting and and filled with complications. If you run into serious complications such as low milk supply and poor milk flow, Chinese Medicine has natural, quick and effective treatments to get you back on track!

“Breast milk is a product of the transformation of qi and blood.. without qi breast milk cannot be transformed, without blood it cannot be generated.” - Fu Qing Zhu’s Gynecology (early Qing Dynasty)

In Chinese Medicine theory, breast milk is an expression of Blood and Qi. It is understood that once a baby is born the Blood that was once nourishing the placenta is now transformed into breastmilk. If a mother was deficient in Qi or Blood before birth, lost a lot of blood during labour or has been unable to recover fully it can result in poor milk supply simply due to exhaustion. It is incredibly important to maintain proper nutrition, rest, and hydration to replenish the Qi and Blood during pregnancy, labour and sleepless nights.

Below are some of the many ways Chinese medicine can help. Both acupuncture and Chinese herbs are safe while breastfeeding. It’s necessary to seek a registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac.,) and TCM practitioner (R.TCMP) with experience in lactation support to determine the correct treatment protocol for you, as they are specific and individual for each patient.

* Acupuncture or acupressure can help by stimulating prolactin secretion, which in turn will stimulate an increase in milk production. Methods such as moxibustion for 5 mins a day at the empirical point for breast milk, Shaoze, is excellent to encourage milk production as is acupressure at Jianjing and Tanzhong. Numerous studies have found Ren 17 (located at the center of the sternum), SI 1 (Shaoze; on the little finger), ST 18 (Rugen; lower breast margins), Zusanli (ST 36), and Taichong (LR 3) to benefit women with a low postpartum milk supply.

* Chinese Herbs can also be used when there is not enough Qi and/or Blood. We can combine the herbs specifically for your needs whether it’s to boost the breast milk production and/or relaxing the body to improve milk flow. Any herbs prescribed by R.TCMP are safe to take while breastfeeding. Ask us!

* Relaxation Techniques and Rest. In Traditional Chinese medicine, the Liver stores Blood. When you lie down and rest, your blood flows back into the Liver to be rejuvenated. When the blood is rejuvenated, it can be transformed into breast milk. Often milk flow is impacted with strong emotions, such as frustration and guilt, or due to the lack of sleep from waking regularly to feed a newborn child. In our clinic, we can help protect the Liver and help the new mother relax into their transition. We can also combine with specific breathing techniques (Qigong) to guide them as part of their ‘homework’ in between treatments.

* Nourishing Foods: We can also positively impact breast milk production with TCM nutrition. Generally, the first step is to ensure the body is well hydrated - not just with water, but with warm and easy-to-digest meals such as congee, oatmeal, and bone broth soups. Foods which help for low milk supply includes red meats, seaweed, clams, fish, eggs. Adding celery, ginger, and scallions provides more directionality and can improve milk flow. Ever tried Pig’s Trotter Soup? That has been traditionally made by Asian families for new mothers to build back their strength and improve milk supply. For vegetarians, a protein-rich diet is important with foods like: Brewer yeast, eggs, nuts and seeds, whole grains, yogurt, lentils, quinoa, beans, nuts, soy-milk and tofu.

References:
1. Fan ZL, Yang MF, Yin RP, et al. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2020;40:1138–42. [Exploration on the acupoint selection rule for the treatment of postpartum hypogalactia with acupuncture and moxibustion based on the set visualization analysis system]
2. Xian D. (2017). Application of acupuncture therapy in nursing care of maternal lack of breast milk. Nursing Research of China. 2017,31(18): 2301-2303.
3. Jiang LL. (2014). Observation on curative effect of 106 ases of postpartum hypogalactia treated by combination of TCM and Western Medicine. Journal of Qilu Nursing. 2014,20(5): 124.
4. He JQ, Chen BY, Huang T. (2008). Shanzhong acupoint treatment of postpartum hypogalactia: a multicenter randomized controlled study. Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion. 2008,28(5): 317-320.

What a week for a lot of us! Make sure take plenty of moments to slow down and recharge. Doing nothing is also doing something.

Continue to stay positive and smile. There are people around us that needs a reminder to stay positive as well. Encourage each other to move forward. When calm we find better solutions. As lessons in humanity has taught us, anything is possible if we work collectively. It’s our own natural super powers that made us survive for billions of years.

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