The Held Space

In this episode, Anna catches up with Dr. Heather Shaw, a chiropractor with over 30 years of practice experience and the founder of Nova Chiropractic in Santa Clara, California. Having known each other for 23 years, they dive deep into why Dr. Shaw’s approach goes far beyond traditional "back-cracking."

From her early days in neurology graduate school to her transition into chiropractic care, Dr. Shaw shares how she uses low-level lasers, clinical nutrition, applied kinesiology, and stress-management techniques to treat the whole body. They also discuss modern health epidemics like "tech neck," why so many of us have forgotten how to breathe properly, and the beautiful, cooperative relationship between chiropractic care and acupuncture.

• Dr. Shaw’s Origin Story: How a neurology master's program and her aunt’s severe migraines unexpectedly led her to a lifelong career in chiropractic care.
• Moving West: Her journey from practicing in Minnesota to opening her clinic in Santa Clara in the mid-90s.
• Beyond the Spine: Why chiropractic care is about the whole nervous system, and how Dr. Shaw integrates low-level cold lasers and clinical nutrition (including why we need manganese and Vitamin C for ligament health).
• Decoding the "Cracking" Noise: What is actually happening during a spinal adjustment (spoiler: it's just gas release!) and why you shouldn't be afraid of it.
• The "Tech Neck" Epidemic & Diaphragmatic Breathing: How hunching over screens collapses our rib cage, forces our neck muscles to overwork just to help us breathe, and how to retrain your body to breathe correctly.
• The Perfect Match (Chiropractic + Acupuncture): How structural adjustments and energy/qi flow work hand-in-hand to resolve chronic pain.
• Caring for All Ages: Dr. Shaw shares a heartwarming story about treating a newborn baby's hiccups by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, and contrasts it with how she helps keep her 102-year-old patient mobile and breathing easily.

• Website: Nova Chiropractic
• Location: Santa Clara, California

At Lokahi, we offer personalized acupuncture and massage treatments to support your well-being, with a focus on reproductive health, pain management, and stress relief. 

📍 Located in San Jose, California. 

🌿 Book a Session: Click here to book with Karina Garcia.

👉🏼 Discover more at lokahiacupuncture.com

In this episode, we welcome back a well-loved and familiar face at Lokahi, Susannah Lee, L. Ac. Susannah shares her deeply personal and winding professional journey from massage therapist to fertility acupuncturist, and eventually back to her roots in bodywork.

Susannah opens up about her personal battles with recurrent pregnancy loss, navigating IVF, giving birth in the chaos of 2020, and coping with severe postpartum anxiety. She discusses the heavy weight that medical diagnoses can place on both providers and patients, and explains why she chose to step away from clinical acupuncture to rediscover the liberating, non-diagnostic power of therapeutic touch.

Tune in to hear how her experiences inspired her to return to the Lokahi wellness space and develop a signature 90-minute Fertility Massage, a unique blend of Maya abdominal massage, hot stone therapy, and castor oil packs designed to ground the nervous system and empower individuals on their reproductive journeys.

• Susannah’s Winding Path: How a background in massage therapy and a fascination with five-element acupuncture theory eventually led her to specialize in reproductive health.
• The Reality of Reproductive Struggles & Burnout: Susannah reflects on the intense emotional toll of managing her own high-risk pregnancy and IVF journey while simultaneously treating fertility patients during the pandemic.
• Stepping Back to Heal: The pivotal moment Susannah realized her postpartum anxiety required her to step away from clinical work to prioritize her own mental health and family.
• The Problem with "Identifying" as a Diagnosis: A look at how medical labels (like advanced maternal age or RPL) can accidentally cage patients in, and how bodywork offers a space to treat the whole human rather than just the condition.
• The Signature Fertility Massage: Susannah breaks down the science and spirit behind her newly developed 90-minute session, combining hot stones on key reproductive meridians, Maya abdominal massage, and castor oil packs to improve circulation, break down scar tissue, and deeply soothe the nervous system.
• Empowerment Through Self-Care: How the Maya abdominal massage technique allows patients to take their healing literally into their own hands with practical routines they can do at home.

At Lokahi, we offer personalized acupuncture and massage treatments to support your well-being, with a focus on reproductive health, pain management, and stress relief. 

📍 Located in San Jose, California. 

🌿 Book a Session: Click here to book with Karina Garcia.

👉🏼 Discover more at lokahiacupuncture.com

In this episode, Anna sits down with Melissa Mancini, CNM, RN, IBCLC, a Certified Nurse Midwife and Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, to talk about her practice, More Than Motherhood, based out of Los Gatos, California. Melissa shares her deeply personal journey into motherhood and how a challenging breastfeeding experience with her first child completely altered the trajectory of her career.

We dive into the unique intersection of midwifery and lactation consulting, the reality of birth trauma and its impact on postpartum wellness, and how Melissa is crafting a brand-new space designed to provide movement, community, and authentic support for mothers at every stage of life.

• The Power of Dual Expertise: As both a nurse midwife and a lactation consultant, Melissa bridges a crucial gap in healthcare, offering a holistic view that supports both the physical and emotional needs of the mother-baby dyad.
• The Reality of Postpartum: Preparing for birth is important, but preparing for the postpartum period is vital. Melissa candidly shares how "breastfeeding broke her" and how that humility shaped her empathetic approach to patient care.
• Healing from Birth Trauma: Birth trauma can deeply impact a mother's early connection and breastfeeding journey. Melissa highlights the importance of validation, changing care providers if necessary, and prioritizing maternal mental health above all else.
• A New Space for Moms: Melissa introduces her upcoming Los Gatos studio, More Than Motherhood—a fitness and wellness space designed for mothers of all stages (from newborns to teenagers) to find community, move their bodies, and feel seen, mess and all.

• Learn more about Melissa’s practice: www.motherhoodlosgatos.com
• Follow Melissa on instagram @buildingamotherhood

At Lokahi, we offer personalized acupuncture and massage treatments to support your well-being, with a focus on reproductive health, pain management, and stress relief. 

📍 Located in San Jose, California. 

🌿 Book a Session: Click here to book with Karina Garcia.

👉🏼 Discover more at lokahiacupuncture.com

Welcome to The Held Space! In today's episode, your host Anna Rudel introduces the newest addition to the Lokahi team: Karina Garcia, CMT. Karina joins the team at Lokahi Wellness Space in San Jose, bringing a specialized background from StretchLab in Willow Glen.

This episode dives into Karina’s unique approach to bodywork, a "beautiful blend" of therapeutic massage and assisted stretching designed to unlock physical tension.

• From Kinesiology to CMT: Karina shares her journey from San Diego to San Jose State, where she studied Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science. Her transition from physical therapy interests to massage therapy was fueled by a passion for hands-on healing and her own history as a lifelong athlete.
• The "Tech Neck" Antidote: Living in the Bay Area, Karina discusses the prevalence of "tech neck" and rounded shoulders. She explains why working on the chest and underarms is often the secret to relieving neck and back pain.
• Massage + Integrated Stretching: Unlike a typical "deep tissue" session that can feel like "muscle mashing," Karina’s signature style is "super slow and super gentle." The massage prepares the tissue, while the assisted stretching "locks everything in" to increase mobility and decrease pain.
• The Power of Letting Go: Anna and Karina discuss the "emotional releases" that often happen on the table. By taking the "thinking part" out of stretching for the patient, Karina creates a safe space for true relaxation and nervous system regulation.

At Lokahi, we offer personalized acupuncture and massage treatments to support your well-being, with a focus on reproductive health, pain management, and stress relief. 

📍 Located in San Jose, California. 

🌿 Book a Session: Click here to book with Karina Garcia.

👉🏼 Discover more at lokahiacupuncture.com

Join us in the "Held Space" with our guest, Dr. Janet Yiu, a pelvic floor physical therapist and founder of Optimize Pelvic Health. In this episode, we explore the complexities of the pelvic floor—a part of the body that holds so much, yet is often misunderstood. Dr. Janet shares her holistic approach, looking beyond muscles to the nervous system, stress, and the significant transitions women’s bodies undergo.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Dr. Janet’s Journey: How she transitioned from sports medicine to specializing in pelvic health after seeing runners struggle with symptoms like leakage.
• What is the Pelvic Floor?: A clear definition of this group of muscles responsible for bowel, bladder, sexual health, and pelvic stabilization.
• The "Kegel" Conversation: Why Kegels aren't always the answer and the importance of a professional assessment.
• 5 Major Reasons for Leakage: Understanding that leakage isn’t always about weakness; it can also be caused by tension, low estrogen, or nerve irritation.
• The Stress Connection: How the pelvic floor is the only muscle group with direct input from stress nerves and why "Gremlins in your groin" is a real phenomenon.
• The Pelvis-Jaw Connection: The fascinating facial and nervous system link between clenching your jaw and tension in your pelvic floor.
• Practical Tips for Pelvic Health:
• Why sipping water is better for your bladder than "chugging".
• The importance of finding daily joy to relax the nervous system.
• Advice for teachers and nurses on the importance of regular bathroom breaks.

Final Thought from Dr. Janet: "Just because something is common doesn't mean that it's normal."

• Dr. Janet Yiu's Website: https://www.optimizepelvichealth.com/

At Lokahi, we offer personalized acupuncture and massage treatments to support your well-being, with a focus on reproductive health, pain management, and stress relief. 

📍 Located in San Jose, California. 

🌿 Book a Session: Click here to book with Karina Garcia.

👉🏼 Discover more at lokahiacupuncture.com

In this episode of the The Held Space We welcomes Dr. Elizabeth Swami, an Ayurvedic doctor and postpartum doula. Dr. Swami shares her journey into Ayurveda, the fundamental principles of this ancient Indian science, and practical tips for health and wellness, particularly during the postpartum period.

• The Five Elements: Ayurveda is built on the elements of Ether, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth.
• The Three Doshas (Energies): These elements combine to create three primary energies that govern the body and mind:
• Vata (Ether & Air): Represents movement; qualities include dryness and cold.
• Pitta (Fire & Water): Governs transformation and change; qualities include heat and oiliness.
• Kapha (Earth & Water): Acts as the container or structure; qualities include wetness and heaviness.
• Finding Balance: The core philosophy of Ayurveda is achieving health by balancing these qualities—for example, cooling down if you are too hot or oiling if you are too dry.

Dr. Swami specializes in women's health and emphasizes the critical importance of the first 42 days postpartum.

• The Concept of "Vata Dislodgement": Childbirth creates empty space in the womb, leading to an increase in Vata (air/ether). If not properly pacified with rest and specific nutrition, this can lead to long-term health issues.
• Agni (Digestive Fire): Labor is a trauma that diminishes the body’s digestive strength. Postpartum care focuses on rebuilding this "fire" through warm, light, and easily digestible foods.
• Mental & Emotional Health: Dr. Swami highlights the use of Nutmeg and Saffron to support the mind and nervous system during the hormonal shifts after birth.

• Cook Your Food: Dr. Swami’s #1 health tip is to prioritize cooked food over raw food, as it is significantly easier for the body to digest and can improve blood pressure and heart rate.
• Postpartum Superfoods:
• Bone Broth: Essential for rebuilding strength.
• Ginger & Fennel Tea: Supports digestion, wound healing, and breast milk production.
• Dates & Ghee: Recommended to help ease postpartum constipation.

• Dr. Swami's Website: VedicWild.com
• Recommended Reading:
• Dr. Vasant Lad: For those seeking an in-depth study of classical Ayurvedic texts.
• Kate O’Donnell: For accessible recipes and introductory Ayurvedic concepts.

At Lokahi, we offer personalized acupuncture and massage treatments to support your well-being, with a focus on reproductive health, pain management, and stress relief. 

📍 Located in San Jose, California. 

🌿 Book a Session: Click here to book with Karina Garcia.

👉🏼 Discover more at lokahiacupuncture.com

In this episode of The Health Space, host Anna Rudel sits down with Dr. Meghan Dowling from Austin Family Chiropractic to explore the transformative role of chiropractic care during pregnancy. Dr. Dowling shares her personal journey from a traumatic first birth to an empowered second experience, which led her to specialize in the Webster Technique.

• Dr. Dowling’s Personal Story: How an unplanned C-section during her first pregnancy fueled her passion for helping other mothers avoid similar birth trauma.
• Understanding the Webster Technique: A gentle, specialized chiropractic adjustment focused on pelvic and sacral alignment to improve balance and mobility for expectant mothers.
• The Importance of Pelvic Balance: How misaligned ligaments can create uterine torsion, potentially affecting the baby's ability to settle into an optimal position for birth.
• Chiropractic Care vs. ECV: The difference between gentle chiropractic balancing and the forceful External Cephalic Version (ECV) procedure performed in hospitals to turn breech babies.
• Spinning Babies: How these specific exercises work hand-in-hand with chiropractic care to support optimal fetal positioning.
• Debunking Myths: Addressing common misconceptions regarding the safety and efficacy of prenatal chiropractic adjustments.

• Spinning Babies: spinningbabies.com

• Website: austinfamilychiropractic.com
• Instagram: @dr.megan.dowling

At Lokahi, we offer personalized acupuncture and massage treatments to support your well-being, with a focus on reproductive health, pain management, and stress relief. 

📍 Located in San Jose, California. 

🌿 Book a Session: Click here to book with Karina Garcia.

👉🏼 Discover more at lokahiacupuncture.com

In this episode of The Held Space, Anna is joined by the brilliant Dr. Sherry Sue, a naturopathic physician and certified Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Gastroenterology (FABNAG). Dr. Sue shares her passion for gut health and its profound impact on overall wellness.

We dive into:

• Why the gut is considered the foundation of health.
• The immune system’s fascinating role in gut health.
• Signs of a healthy gut and what happens when things go awry.
• The importance of variety in your diet and how to eat 30+ plants a week.
• The truth about gluten sensitivity and how to identify if it’s affecting you.

Dr. Sue also explains the role of functional testing in uncovering hidden imbalances and offers practical tips for supporting your gut health. Whether you’re curious about probiotics, food diversity, or the connection between gut health and immunity, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Have questions for Dr. Sherry? Share them in the comments, and we’ll pass them along for a potential follow-up episode!

At Lokahi, we offer personalized acupuncture and massage treatments to support your well-being, with a focus on reproductive health, pain management, and stress relief. 

📍 Located in San Jose, California. 

🌿 Book a Session: Click here to book with Karina Garcia.

👉🏼 Discover more at lokahiacupuncture.com

In this episode of The Held Space, Anna sits down with Tanya Goodrich, PT, a pelvic physical therapist with 15 years of specialized experience, to dive deep into the often-overlooked world of postpartum recovery. Tanya brings compassion, expertise, and a refreshing dose of honesty to a topic that deserves far more attention: a mother’s healing journey after birth.

We explore:

1. Why postpartum recovery is so frequently ignored, and how mothers can shift the focus back to their own well-being.
2. What actually happens to your body during pregnancy and birth—from core changes to pelvic floor impact—and why the “bounce back” culture is so damaging.
3. The real timeline for physical and hormonal healing, including how breastfeeding affects recovery for months after you stop.
4. Simple, foundational exercises like the “magic exhale” and Tanya’s beloved “blueberries” technique to gently reconnect with your core and pelvic floor.
5. Clear red flags—like leaking, pain, heaviness, and numbness—that signal it’s time to see a pelvic physical therapist.
6. What to expect during a pelvic PT visit and why the experience is far more supportive and empowering than most people imagine.

Whether you're newly postpartum, years past childbirth but still not feeling quite like yourself, or simply curious about pelvic health, this episode offers validation, education, and practical tools to support your healing. Tune in to learn how small, intentional steps can help you rebuild strength, confidence, and connection to your body.

Connect with Tanya Goodrich, PT:

• Website: Visit HealthyPelvis.com for more resources, information, and to book an in-person or telehealth appointment.
• Special Offer for Listeners: Get $50 off your first session! Just mention HealthSpace50 when you book.
• Email: Have a specific question? You can reach out to Tanya directly at [email protected].

At Lokahi, we offer personalized acupuncture and massage treatments to support your well-being, with a focus on reproductive health, pain management, and stress relief. 

📍 Located in San Jose, California. 

🌿 Book a Session: Click here to book with Karina Garcia.

👉🏼 Discover more at lokahiacupuncture.com

In this episode of The Held Space, Anna sits down with Dr. Sadi Jimenez, ND, from Naturopathic Family Health, to dive deep into stress and its impact on adrenal health. Dr. Sadi shares her expertise on understanding stress, how it manifests in our bodies, and why it’s such a pervasive issue in today’s fast-paced world.

We explore:

• The subjective nature of stress and how it affects everyone differently.
• The connection between stress and adrenal health, including the role of cortisol.
• Common symptoms of adrenal imbalance and how to identify them.
• Practical strategies for managing stress, from mindfulness to lifestyle adjustments.
• The surprising benefits of magnesium glycinate for relaxation, sleep, and overall well-being.

Whether you’re feeling the weight of Silicon Valley stress or just looking for actionable tips to improve your health, this episode is packed with insights and advice to help you find balance. Tune in to learn how small, intentional steps can make a big difference in managing stress and supporting your adrenal health.

At Lokahi, we offer personalized acupuncture and massage treatments to support your well-being, with a focus on reproductive health, pain management, and stress relief. 

📍 Located in San Jose, California. 

🌿 Book a Session: Click here to book with Karina Garcia.

👉🏼 Discover more at lokahiacupuncture.com