Herbs are usually great for improving health. But there are times when herbs can be harmful. Some can interact with certain medications and drugs. Others are not safe to take when pregnant, breastfeeding, or in the process of conceiving.
Plants contain phytochemicals (plant chemicals) and phytosterols (plant hormones), which can affect the uterus and developing baby. They can also affect a nursing newborn. They may cause the uterus to contract. Some constituents of the herbs can pass into the breast milk as well.
The following is a list of herbs deemed not safe to use during pregnancy. This list is not comprehensive. There are other herbs that are not safe, but the ones listed here are the more commonly used ones.
Aloe. Internal use of aloe can initiate uterus contractions and cause a drop in blood sugar.
Goldenseal. Can cause uterus contractions.
Licorice. Contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which depletes potassium. Low potassium levels can increase the risk of developing preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy).
Sage. Contains a phytochemical called thujone, which can initiate a menstrual period. This might cause a miscarriage. Consuming sage while breastfeeding is not recommended because it can decrease lactation in women.
There are many herbs for which there is no safety data because research cannot be conducted while a woman is pregnant. It is imperative that you consult a healthcare professional before taking herbs while conceiving, pregnant, or breastfeeding. Dr. John Phelts, who has been trained in botanical medicine and women's health, provides consultations for pregnant women in his New York, NY office.
Sources:
Johnson, R.L., S. Foster, Low Dog, T. and Kiefer, D. National Geographic Guide to Medicinal Herbs: The World's Most Effective Healing Plants.(2012) Washington, D.C.: National Geographic
Hess, Henry M. & Miller, Richard, K. Drugs During Pregnancy and Lactation (Third Ed.) Treatment Options and Risk Assessment (2015), "Herbs and Pregnancy" Pages 511-525 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780124080782000202
Latest Posts
Getting Rid of Flabby Arms aka "Bat Wings" With EMSCULPT NEO
September 03, 2025
While a triceps-only treatment can certainly yield positive results by improving muscle tone and firmness in the back of the arm, it fails to address the full picture. It\'s akin to only filling a small portion of a deflated balloon; it will get firmer in that spot, but the rest of the balloon will remain loose.
The Bicep\'s Overlooked, Crucial Role
The key to achieving a truly firm and sculpted upper arm lies in understanding the principle of "volumetric fill." The skin of the upper arm is a continuous sheath that stretches over the muscles beneath it. The skin on the anterior (front) and lateral (side) portions of the upper arm is continuous with the skin on the posterior (back) portion.
When you only treat the triceps, you are addressing only one part of this sheath. By treating the biceps with EMSCULPT NEO, you actively increase the volume of the muscles on the front and sides of the upper arm. This increased volume creates an outward pressure on the surrounding skin. As the biceps develop, they physically pull the continuous sheath of skin on the posterior upper arm closer and more snugly against the triceps, helping to fill out the arm from the front and sides.
The Synergistic Power of Dual-Muscle Treatment
This is where the magic happens. The most dramatic and satisfying results for reducing loose underarm skin come from a comprehensive treatment plan that targets both muscle groups.
The Triceps treatment directly addresses the laxity on the back of the arm, tightening the area that is most prone to sagging.
The Biceps treatment provides crucial anterior and lateral volume, creating a symmetrical, well-defined shape that physically pushes out against the skin from the front and sides.
When you treat both the triceps and biceps, you create a balanced, high-volume foundation for the skin to rest upon. This simultaneous, all-around toning effect results in a significantly tighter and more sculpted upper arm, effectively diminishing the appearance of loose skin from all angles. It\'s a holistic approach that moves beyond simply targeting the area of concern and instead rebuilds the entire structure of the upper arm.
Conclusion
If your goal is to achieve the most powerful and transformative results for loose underarm skin, don\'t settle for a triceps-only treatment. The synergistic power of targeting both the triceps and biceps with EMSCULPT NEO is the key to maximizing muscle volume and achieving a truly toned, firm, and sculpted upper arm. By treating the arm as a complete, interconnected unit, you can finally say goodbye to the "bat wing" and hello to arms you\'ll be proud to show off. Consult with an experienced provider, like Dr. John W Phelts, DC at Phelts Chiropractic P.C. in New York, NY to discuss a personalized plan that will help you achieve your goals.
References:
1. Kinney, B. M., & Lozanova, P. (2019). High-intensity focused electro-magnetic (HIFEM) therapy evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Safety and efficacy study of a dual tissue effect based non-invasive abdominal body shaping. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 51(1), 40-46.
2. Julene B. Samuels, M.D.,
1 Bruce Katz, M.D.,1 and Robert A. Weiss, M.D.1 (2019). Radiofrequency Heating and High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Treatment Delivered Simultaneously: The First Sham-Controlled Randomized Trial Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022 May; 149(5): 893–900.
3. Diane Irvine Duncan, MD, FACS. Safety and Efficacy of Simultaneous Application of High-intensity Focused Electromagnetic Field and Synchronized Radiofrequency for Non-invasive Fat Reduction and Muscle Toning in Inner Thighs: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2022 Aug; 15(8): 28–32.
EMSculpt NEO at Phelts Chiropractic
369 Lexington Avenue, Suite 214
New York, NY 10017
While a triceps-only treatment can certainly yield positive results by improving muscle tone and firmness in the back of the arm, it fails to address the full picture. It\'s akin to only filling a small portion of a deflated balloon; it will get firmer in that spot, but the rest of the balloon will remain loose.
The Bicep\'s Overlooked, Crucial Role
The key to achieving a truly firm and sculpted upper arm lies in understanding the principle of "volumetric fill." The skin of the upper arm is a continuous sheath that stretches over the muscles beneath it. The skin on the anterior (front) and lateral (side) portions of the upper arm is continuous with the skin on the posterior (back) portion.
When you only treat the triceps, you are addressing only one part of this sheath. By treating the biceps with EMSCULPT NEO, you actively increase the volume of the muscles on the front and sides of the upper arm. This increased volume creates an outward pressure on the surrounding skin. As the biceps develop, they physically pull the continuous sheath of skin on the posterior upper arm closer and more snugly against the triceps, helping to fill out the arm from the front and sides.
The Synergistic Power of Dual-Muscle Treatment
This is where the magic happens. The most dramatic and satisfying results for reducing loose underarm skin come from a comprehensive treatment plan that targets both muscle groups.
The Triceps treatment directly addresses the laxity on the back of the arm, tightening the area that is most prone to sagging.
The Biceps treatment provides crucial anterior and lateral volume, creating a symmetrical, well-defined shape that physically pushes out against the skin from the front and sides.
When you treat both the triceps and biceps, you create a balanced, high-volume foundation for the skin to rest upon. This simultaneous, all-around toning effect results in a significantly tighter and more sculpted upper arm, effectively diminishing the appearance of loose skin from all angles. It\'s a holistic approach that moves beyond simply targeting the area of concern and instead rebuilds the entire structure of the upper arm.
Conclusion
If your goal is to achieve the most powerful and transformative results for loose underarm skin, don\'t settle for a triceps-only treatment. The synergistic power of targeting both the triceps and biceps with EMSCULPT NEO is the key to maximizing muscle volume and achieving a truly toned, firm, and sculpted upper arm. By treating the arm as a complete, interconnected unit, you can finally say goodbye to the "bat wing" and hello to arms you\'ll be proud to show off. Consult with an experienced provider, like Dr. John W Phelts, DC at Phelts Chiropractic P.C. in New York, NY to discuss a personalized plan that will help you achieve your goals.
References:
1. Kinney, B. M., & Lozanova, P. (2019). High-intensity focused electro-magnetic (HIFEM) therapy evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Safety and efficacy study of a dual tissue effect based non-invasive abdominal body shaping. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 51(1), 40-46.
2. Julene B. Samuels, M.D.,1 Bruce Katz, M.D.,1 and Robert A. Weiss, M.D.1 (2019). Radiofrequency Heating and High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Treatment Delivered Simultaneously: The First Sham-Controlled Randomized Trial Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022 May; 149(5): 893–900.
3. Diane Irvine Duncan, MD, FACS. Safety and Efficacy of Simultaneous Application of High-intensity Focused Electromagnetic Field and Synchronized Radiofrequency for Non-invasive Fat Reduction and Muscle Toning in Inner Thighs: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2022 Aug; 15(8): 28–32.
EMSculpt NEO at Phelts Chiropractic
369 Lexington Avenue, Suite 214
New York, NY 10017
The common concern of loose, sagging skin under the arms—often colloquially referred to as "bat wings"—is a frustrating aesthetic challenge for many.
The Science of Upper Arm Aesthetics and EMSCULPT NEO
The appearance of loose skin under the arm is a result of two primary factors: a lack of muscle volume and a lack of skin elasticity. As we age, our muscles naturally atrophy, and our skin loses collagen and elastin. The triceps muscle, located on the back of the arm, is often the main culprit for the "swinging" effect of loose skin.
EMSCULPT NEO is a revolutionary technology designed to tackle this exact problem. It combines two powerful energies:
High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy: This energy forces the muscles to undergo thousands of supramaximal contractions—contractions far more intense than any voluntary workout.
This leads to rapid muscle growth (hypertrophy) and an increase in muscle fiber density. Synchronized Radiofrequency (RF) heating: This energy heats the muscle tissue to prepare it for contraction while simultaneously heating the fat layer to induce fat cell death.
The result is a powerful one-two punch that simultaneously builds muscle and reduces fat, leading to an average of 25% muscle increase and 30% fat reduction in the treated area.
The Problem with a Triceps-Only Approach
It's understandable why many people and even some clinics focus exclusively on the triceps. The logic is simple: the triceps are the large muscle on the back of the arm, and strengthening them directly addresses the area where the loose skin hangs.
While a triceps-only treatment can certainly yield positive results by improving muscle tone and firmness in the back of the arm, it fails to address the full picture. It's akin to only filling a small portion of a deflated balloon; it will get firmer in that spot, but the rest of the balloon will remain loose.
The Bicep's Overlooked, Crucial Role
The key to achieving a truly firm and sculpted upper arm lies in understanding the principle of "volumetric fill." The skin of the upper arm is a continuous sheath that stretches over the muscles beneath it. The skin on the anterior (front) and lateral (side) portions of the upper arm is continuous with the skin on the posterior (back) portion.
When you only treat the triceps, you are addressing only one part of this sheath. By treating the biceps with EMSCULPT NEO, you actively increase the volume of the muscles on the front and sides of the upper arm. This increased volume creates an outward pressure on the surrounding skin. As the biceps develop, they physically pull the continuous sheath of skin on the posterior upper arm closer and more snugly against the triceps, helping to fill out the arm from the front and sides.
The Synergistic Power of Dual-Muscle Treatment
This is where the magic happens. The most dramatic and satisfying results for reducing loose underarm skin come from a comprehensive treatment plan that targets both muscle groups.
The Triceps treatment directly addresses the laxity on the back of the arm, tightening the area that is most prone to sagging.
The Biceps treatment provides crucial anterior and lateral volume, creating a symmetrical, well-defined shape that physically pushes out against the skin from the front and sides.
When you treat both the triceps and biceps, you create a balanced, high-volume foundation for the skin to rest upon. This simultaneous, all-around toning effect results in a significantly tighter and more sculpted upper arm, effectively diminishing the appearance of loose skin from all angles. It's a holistic approach that moves beyond simply targeting the area of concern and instead rebuilds the entire structure of the upper arm.
Conclusion
If your goal is to achieve the most powerful and transformative results for loose underarm skin, don't settle for a triceps-only treatment. The synergistic power of targeting both the triceps and biceps with EMSCULPT NEO is the key to maximizing muscle volume and achieving a truly toned, firm, and sculpted upper arm. By treating the arm as a complete, interconnected unit, you can finally say goodbye to the "bat wing" and hello to arms you'll be proud to show off. Consult with an experienced provider, like Dr. John W Phelts, DC at Phelts Chiropractic P.C. in New York, NY to discuss a personalized plan that will help you achieve your goals.
References:
1. Kinney, B. M., & Lozanova, P. (2019). High-intensity focused electro-magnetic (HIFEM) therapy evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Safety and efficacy study of a dual tissue effect based non-invasive abdominal body shaping. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 51(1), 40-46.
2. Julene B. Samuels, M.D.,1 Bruce Katz, M.D.,1 and Robert A. Weiss, M.D.1 (2019). Radiofrequency Heating and High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Treatment Delivered Simultaneously: The First Sham-Controlled Randomized Trial Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022 May; 149(5): 893–900.
3. Diane Irvine Duncan, MD, FACS. Safety and Efficacy of Simultaneous Application of High-intensity Focused Electromagnetic Field and Synchronized Radiofrequency for Non-invasive Fat Reduction and Muscle Toning in Inner Thighs: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2022 Aug; 15(8): 28–32.
EMSculpt NEO at Phelts Chiropractic
369 Lexington Avenue, Suite 214
New York, NY 10017
