Enhance Fertility with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs

Posted on 09/10/2010 01:55 pm by Tatjana Newman, L.Ac., MSTOM

Introduction

For centuries Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been successful in treating fertility, when originally very little was known about the different stages of the menstrual cycle and conception. Today a skilled practitioner bases his recommendations for Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs on a detailed medical history intake (special attention is given to the signs accompanying each phase of the menstrual cycle), a basal body temperature (BBT) chart, and information gained from medical testing. The complex and holistic diagnosis process of TCM leads to a number of possible acupuncture and herbal prescriptions for the same western (lack of) diagnosis of ﾓunexplained fertilityﾔ.

How do acupuncture and herbs enhance fertility

The interplay of hormones is often compared to a symphony. Each member of the orchestra must be present and play in tune and time for the music to sound beautiful. The delicate balance and orchestration of hormone stimulation and release is just like that. One hormone out of sink will affect all the others. Therefore treatment requires subtle re-adjustment and re-balancing, something Chinese Medicine is particularly good at. As written in a previous article, the increased release of stress hormones can also interfere with adequate steroid sex hormone release. The deeply relaxing effects of acupuncture can be tremendously valuable to a womanﾒs menstrual cycle and her reproductive health.

How do Chinese Herbs help?

Chinese Herbs are usually recommended in formulas of 4-15 herbs that work together synergistically. Herbs are usually chosen from several categories to enhance or balance each otherﾒs effect. We may desire an herbal formula to ﾓwarm the uterusﾔ for example, to make it more receptive to a growing fetus, but we donﾒt want to engender excessive heat, therefore not all the herbs in a given formula will be warming; simultaneously we may wish to ﾓbuild Blood and Qiﾔ, and so on. Some herbal formulas are used to better the quality of the eggs and enhance ovulation.

Can acupuncture help me if I am around 40?

Yes! Usually, between ages 38 and 42 ovulation becomes less efficient, less regular and less predictable than in earlier years. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs can regulate the cycle, enhance ovulation and support implantation. TCM plays a role at every stage of the cycle, and can often help attain pregnancy.

What is the role of TCM in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)?

Chinese Medicine can enhance fertility in many ways and plays a role in the different stages of trying to conceive. Clinical research has demonstrated that acupuncture before and after embryonic cell transfer almost doubles the pregnancy rate in IVF (in vitro fertilization). This success rate doesn’t even account for a most likely even higher pregnancy rate when acupuncture is received in the weeks preceding and following IVF. We can deduce that acupuncture will improve the outcome of other assisted fertility technology interventions. Acupuncture can also significantly reduce the side effects of the hormone treatments necessary to regulate the cycle, which can be severe and include nausea, vomiting, hot flashes, insomnia, headache, irritability, depression, fatigue, abdominal or pelvic discomfort and bloating.

And while acupuncture enhances fertility, reap such side effects as an increased sense of well-being, and a boost to the immune system

 

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Stress

Posted on 09/10/2010 05:30 pm by Tatjana Feldl Newman, L.Ac., MSTOM

Physiological Impact of Stress

More and more the medical community has acknowledged the physiological impact of stress. To name a few examples, digestive disorders such as gastritis or irritable bowel, a weakened immune system, chronic pain, fertility problems and depression can all be associated with sustained stress. The body first responds to stress by switching into fight-or-flight response. The nervous system mobilizes the release of hormones to maintain physiological equilibrium with the following sequence: increased heart and respiration rate, reduced digestive secretions, dramatic rise of blood sugar and reduced immune response. If stress is continuous, the compensatory mechanism begins to break down, the body’s ability to adapt fails, and organ damage can occur slowly or quickly. At this later stage we often observe serious illness.

Positive Aspects of Stress

Stress is not necessarily “bad”. Some of us have fast-pace high-pressure jobs, and we thrive on challenges and feel very satisfied. Some of us are parents and experience the constant demands of worrying about others as much as about ourselves (many say parenthood is the hardest work they have ever done)– yet because of the immense love and gratification we feel, we wouldn’t want it any different. Stress can arise from many positive situations: stress is not all bad.

Our Bodies Need a Break From Stress

Nevertheless, we need to pay attention to the need to recover from stress. We/our bodies need and deserves a break. Sufficient time in rest-and-digest parasympathetic nervous system mode is necessary for proper organ function and to maintain health.

How do we manage our busy lives and stay healthy? How do we counterbalance stress?

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine foster mental and physiological equilibrium

Traditional Chinese Medicine has a strongly regulating and balancing effect. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs enhance the body’s innate capacity to heal itself. Acupuncture allows our body to switch into rest-and-digest mode; in this mode, healing occurs, inflammation goes down, and pain is reduced, leading to relaxation and rejuvenation. Acupuncture offers deeper rest than sleep.

Though it can still not be fully explained how acupuncture works — and that often sits uncomfortably with our human need to understand and explain–, thousands of years of empirical experience testify that it does work. Additionally, acupuncture has no undesirable side effects; to the contrary, the primary side effect is an increased sense of well-being.

 

ACUPUNCTURE REDUCES STRESS AND FOSTERS A SENSE OF WELL BEING

Posted on 09/10/2010 01:56 pm by Tatjana Newman, L.Ac., MSTOM

INTRODUCTION

More and more the medical community has acknowledged the physiological impact of stress. To name a few examples, digestive disorders such as gastritis or irritable bowel, a weakened immune system, chronic pain, fertility problems and depression can all be associated with sustained stress. The body first responds to stress by switching into fight-or-flight response. The nervous system mobilizes the release of hormones to maintain physiological equilibrium with the following sequence: increased heart and respiration rate, reduced digestive secretions, dramatic rise of blood sugar and reduced immune response. If stress is continuous, the compensatory mechanism begins to break down, the body’s ability to adapt fails, and organ damage can occur slowly or quickly. At this later stage we often observe serious illness.

POSITIVE ASPECTS OF STRESS

Stress is not necessarily “bad”. Some of us have fast-pace high-pressure jobs, and we thrive on challenges and feel very satisfied. Some of us are parents and experience the constant demands of worrying about others as much as about ourselves (many say parenthood is the hardest work they have ever done)– yet because of the immense love and gratification we feel, we wouldn’t want it any differently. Stress can arise from many positive situations!

WE NEED A BREAK FROM STRESS

Nevertheless, we need to pay attention to the need to recover from stress. We/our bodies need and deserves a break. Sufficient time in rest-and-digest parasympathetic nervous system mode is necessary for proper organ function and to maintain health.

How do we manage our busy lives and stay healthy? How do we counterbalance stress?

ACUPUNCTURE AND CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE FOSTER MENTAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL EQUILIBRIUM – A SENSE OF WELL BEING!

Traditional Chinese Medicine has a strongly regulating and balancing effect. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs enhance the body’s innate capacity to heal itself. Acupuncture allows our body to switch into rest-and-digest mode; in this mode, healing occurs, inflammation goes down, and pain is reduced, leading to relaxation and rejuvenation. Acupuncture offers deeper rest than sleep.

Though it can still not be fully explained how acupuncture works — and that often sits uncomfortably with our human need to understand and explain–, thousands of years of empirical experience testify that it does work. Additionally, acupuncture has no undesirable side effects; to the contrary, the primary side effect is an increased sense of well being.

 

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE AND DIGESTION

Posted on 09/10/2010 01:54 pm by Tatjana Feldl Newman, L.Ac., MSTOM

Digestive disorders prevail in our society: gastritis, acid reflux, bowel changes, nausea, to name a few. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), mainly Acupuncture and Herbs treat digestive complaints very well, including more serious ones, such as inflammatory bowel disorders (Crohnﾒs, Colitis). Seemingly harmless complaints can be very uncomfortable, lead to complications and even turn into life-threatening illness over time. The World Health Organization ranks digestive disorders number one for effectiveness when treated with acupuncture.

Digestion and Traditional Chinese Medicine

In Chinese Medicine we say that the Stomach* is one of two sources of post-natal qi* because it receives food and drink (the other being the Lung receiving air). The digestive systemﾒs job is to absorb nutrients, transform food into pure substance* and transport waste out of the body. We want neither, waste to be re-absorbed into our system, nor nutrients being lost in waste. Therefore optimal transformation and transportation of food is vital to good health.

How Chinese Medicine can help:

The benefits of Acupuncture and Herbs are tremendous. They can aid digestion, regulate movement through the digestive system and alleviate discomfort while supporting good digestion. Further, Acupuncture supports the ﾓrest & digestﾔ nervous system mode necessary for good digestion.

Dietary recommendations of Chinese Medicine:

In Chinese Medicine we say that digestion works like a burner requiring a fire. Therefore we recommend warm foods, especially at the beginning of a meal. Warm cooked foods are more easily digested and more readily transformed into the essential substances we need. In Chinese Medicine we are big fans of meat and vegetable broths to promote good health. This is especially important for the very young and the elderly. Foods that can damage the ﾓgood fireﾔ in TCM also include ﾓdampness-promotingﾔ foods such as excessive amounts of dairy, raw, cold, greasy and sweet foods. Dampness is one of the Chinese Medicine factors causing digestive disturbance, mucous in the respiratory system and ear infections. Too much hot-spicy food, fried food and alcohol can cause ﾓhot-dampnessﾔ disturbances with an array of complaints ranging from acid reflux (not always due to heat) to deposits in the blood vessels.

PHYSIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF DIGESTION

Digestion is mostly a function of the parasympathetic nervous system, the ﾓrest and digestﾔ mode. Therefore good digestion requires sufficient relaxation time and relaxed states at specific times. Good digestion begins before the meal. The smell of food stimulates digestive secretions in the mouth. The digestive system will be more receptive to food and if meals are taken at regular times and in relaxed states. Being in work mode, angry, anxious or stressed inhibits digestive secretions and easily cause indigestion and digestive disorder over time.

Metabolism, weight and blood sugar balance

Donﾒt wait until you are very hungry before eating for three main reasons: For one, once you are hungry, stress hormones are already at work to raise blood sugar levels to maintain homeostasis. These spikes and drops in blood sugar are very hard on the body and can cause food cravings, sluggishness, hormone imbalances and over time insulin resistance (ﾓsyndrome X). Second, the body will go into ﾓstarvation modeﾔ and metabolism will slow down. By nature we are build for scarcity, not plenty, and if not fed at regular times, the body will hold on to what it has. This can lead to undesired weight gain or interfere with a desired weight loss. Third, digestive secretions will be more adequately plentiful if food comes at regular expected times.

A few tips to maintain good digestive health:

  • de-stress! use relaxation exercise or techniques, or receive relaxation therapies such as massage, acupuncture, psychotherapy and many others
  • donﾒt work while eating
  • relax or go for a little walk after meals
  • eat a couple of hours before going to bed
  • eat regular meals and snacks
  • donﾒt go too long without eating
  • eat a balanced diet of mainly whole foods
 

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE AND RESPIRATORY HEALTH

Posted on 09/10/2010 01:53 pm by Tatjana Feldl Newman, L.Ac., MSTOM

Increasingly, people complain about chronic sinus congestionﾗallergic or otherﾗor chronic coughs and difficulty breathing. If frequently exposed, there are times, when we get a cold, flu or cough, which all may linger and possibly progress to bronchitis, laryngitis, or even pneumonia.

The pharmaceutical drugs that treat respiratory illness help manage symptoms and are life saving at times, yet their constant use comes at a cost. Drugs may loose their effectiveness over time, and are often accompanied by undesirable short- or long-term side effects. And generally, drugs do not address the underlying cause of a disorder.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)ﾗ mainly Acupuncture and Chinese herbal remediesﾗcan help. The practice of TCM presents a valuable alternative or addition to allopathic medicine. It also includes lifestyle and dietary recommendations to improve health.

CONCEPTS OF CHINESE MEDICINE

In Chinese Medicine the Lung is called the ﾓtender organ.ﾔ It has an opening to the outside world through the mouth and nose and is therefore susceptible to exterior pathogenic factors and to invasion by climatic factorsﾗliterally ﾓcatching cold.ﾔ In Chinese Medicine we also say that the Lung receives air, one of two sources of post-natal qi (the other source being food and drink). Good respiratory health builds our general health, or metaphorically speaking: ﾓputs money into our bank account of vitality.ﾔ

The emotion associated with the Lung is grief. If you are dealing with a loss, you may be more prone to respiratory illness. Acupuncture and Herbs could help prevent getting sick, while also lifting your spirits.

In TCM the Lung and Large Intestine are related, which is why TCM practitioners always look at the health of the gut in chronic respiratory complaints. With an overabundance of sugar and refined carbohydrates in our diets, the resulting ﾓbad bacteriaﾔ overgrowth in the gut is often connected to respiratory illness. ﾓBad bacteriaﾔ overgrowth also results from destroying ﾓgood bacteriaﾔ. A Dutch study demonstrated a link between long-term antacid consumption and pneumonia.

HOW TCM TREATS ALLERGIES

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs relieve the symptoms of nasal congestion, cough, headache and fatigue. They boost the immune system, help build resistance against allergic reaction, and help prevent a cold or overcome it more quickly.

MY RECOMMENDATIONS

– If you are prone to seasonal allergies, begin TCM treatment 2-3 months prior to the usual time of onset. If you get spring allergies, the time to receive treatment is right now.

– If you suffer from a respiratory illness, seek alternative therapies such as Traditional Chinese Medicine. TCM can be practiced in combination with allopathic medicine.

– Colds and coughs are treated very effectively with acupuncture and herbs

– Get acupuncture and take herbs at the very onset of a cold–such as a sore throatﾗand most likely you will not come down with a cold.

– Donﾒt let a cold progress to a sinus infection or bronchitis.

REMEMBER THE GENERAL BENEFITS OF ACUPUNCTURE

– Boosts the immune system.

– Acts on the nervous system, lifts low moods and relaxes hyper states.

– Counteracts the detrimental effects of stress.

 

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE and PREmenopause Who is affected? What does it feel like? What can we do?

Posted on 09/10/2010 01:52 pm by Tatjana Feldl Newman, L.Ac., MSTOM

Introduction

Women in their late thirties and forties do not want to be associated with menopause, and with good reason, for them menopause is at least a decade away. In fact, many women of that age group successfully conceive and bear children! At the same time, around age 35 we may notice cycle-related changes, at first subtle, later more significant ones. We are not who we used to be, don’t know why or what to do, and as long as there is no concern of illness, try to ignore what’s going on.

What may a woman experience?

She may experience irregular menstrual cycles, lighter or heavier periods, more pronounced or extended pre-menstrual symptoms such as irritability, bloating, cramping or breast tenderness. She may also complain of mid-cycle bleeding, sluggishness, fatigue, disturbed sleep, food cravings or trouble conceiving. Working and taking care of her family may feel like an uphill climb a good part of the month.

Understanding premenopause

Premenopause is not an illness that demands cure, but rebalancing. Usually, between ages 38 and 42 ovulation becomes less efficient, less regular and less predictable than in earlier years. At first the follicular phase (first half of cycle) may shorten, there may be mid-cycle spotting, and periods may come earlier and be lighter. With an increasing number of missed ovulations, cycle changes may be due to changes in the second half of the cycle. Lack of ovulation results in extended estrogen release in the body’s attempt to produce an ovulation and extended estrogen stimulation in the uterus. The excessive build-up of the lining of the uterus can result in heavy periods. If no follicle is released, there is no corpus luteum, and therefore a lack of progesterone production and shortened luteal phase, often referred to as “lutel phase defect”. The hormonal imbalance between estrogen and progesterone and the relative excess of estrogen often leads to more pronounced PMS, and if not addressed, cn also lead to an increased risk of uteran cancer.

Premenopause and fertility

Changes in the cycle can be obstacles to fertility. Evidently we will not conceive during an anovulatory cycle. And despite occurring ovulations, the above described hormone imbalance can also be a challenge to conceiving or maintaining a pregnancy. If the follicular phase is shortened, the quality of the follicle can be affected and the lining of the uterus can be insufficient to allow or sustain the implantation of a fertilized oocyte. A shortened luteal phase, a sign of progesterone deficiency, can also interfere with maintaining an early pregnancy.

What can be done and why choose Traditional Chinese Medicine?

The interplay of hormones is often compared to a symphony. Each member of the orchestra must be present and play in tune and time for the music to sound beautiful. The delicate balance and orchestration of hormone stimulation and release is just like that. One hormone out of sink will affect all the others. Therefore treatment requires subtle re-adjustment and re-balancing, something Chinese Medicine is particularly good at. One of the main strength of acupuncture is its regulatory effect. Reproductive health depends on optimal regulation of its system. As written in a previous article, the increased release of stress hormones can also interfere with adequate steroid sex hormone release. The deeply relaxing effects of acupuncture can be tremendously valuable to a woman’s menstrual cycle and her reproductive health. Acupuncture also directly addresses the physical and emotional symptoms of pms, irregular bleeding and pain. In addition, Chinese herbs and western supplements can further support a rebalancing of the hormones.

In summary, TCM treatment can increase fertility and restore a sense of well-being during the pre-menopausal years. If you take care of yourself now, the aging process can be delayed, and will be more gradual and less debilitating.