How effective is acupuncture in treating infertility

How effective is acupuncture in treating infertility

Though the practice of acupuncture dates back its origin to ancient China, the Western world is increasingly being aware of its benefits. Recent studies in this regard show that acupuncture medication is effective in treating infertility.

Acupuncture treatment is based on the Chinese belief that a balance in the energy flow (known as qi and chi) that occurs within the body is essential for a man to remain healthy. It is when this flow is hindered that our health pattern is negatively affected. It is based on the particular problem that different combinations of body points get stimulated with the help of acupuncture needles.

Acupuncture is now practiced as an alternative way of treating fertility problems. This mode of Chinese treatment is found to compliment the modern fertility treatments. Acupuncture is probably most effective in those couples who are experiencing a functional infertility problem such as irregular ovulation. In case of couple suffering from structural problems such as a blockage in the sperm ducts, modern fertility treatments are found to be more effective.

Some practitioners recommend Chinese herbs for both structural and operational infertility problems. Such herbal medications along with acupuncture treatment have proved to be fruitful in some couple. But, it is important to consult a medical expert while taking herbal medicine as certain herbs interfere adversely in the functioning of fertility drugs.

Through the right acupuncture treatment the body’s overall system get positively regulated and enhanced blood flow to the reproductive organs is ensured. It also stabilizes the hormone levels. This in turn will smoothen the functioning of ovaries in women and will boost the production of healthy sperm cells in men.

Acupuncture also helps women in staying relaxed during the stressful periods of fertility treatments. Acupuncture medication is found to be most beneficial in women who undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) method. Studies also indicate that women who received acupuncture treatment are considerably saved from abortions due to tubular pregnancies. However, women who suffer from blood disorders should keep away from acupuncture treatment.

Original article and pictures take i1.wp.com site

How Chinese medicine could fix slumped spines of smartphone generation

How Chinese medicine could fix slumped spines of smartphone generation

Prolonged use of mobile phones, playing games for hours and slouching can affect development of spine, says leading practitioner Lam Chung.

Traditional Chinese medicine could hold the key to treating an increasing number of children and teenagers with abnormally curved spines in a city increasingly populated by “smartphone zombies”, according to practitioners.

The condition of a 14-year-old girl diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), an abnormal curvature of the spine, had significantly improved after two months of a combined treatment of tui na – a type of Chinese massage therapy – acupuncture and daily exercise routines.

Angel Man’s spine, which was curved sideways in an S-shape at an angle of 31 degrees, was corrected to 18 degrees – a condition that only requires regular observation.

Depending on the severity of the curve, scoliosis is conventionally treated by wearing back braces or surgery. Curves over 45 degrees are considered serious and would be recommended surgery.

However, the two traditional methods can only prevent the spine curvature from worsening, and do not correct or straighten the spine completely.

Lam Chung, a Chinese medicine practitioner specialising in AIS, has developed a comprehensive treatment for youngsters living with the condition.

Based on ancient traditional treatment theories and more than 30 years of clinical experience, the chiropractic-like therapy combines massage, acupuncture and a set of 22 different exercise routines that aim to loosen muscle tension, increase blood circulation and realign displaced bones.

Lam said that since 2006, a three-month treatment has shown significant results for over 80 per cent of 100 scoliosis patients aged 10 to 16, with the majority seeing at least three to five degrees of spinal correction.

AIS affects 2 to 3 per cent of children between the ages of 10 and 16 worldwide. A 2008 Health Department survey that screened more than 800,000 students as part of the Student Health Service Programme found that AIS affected up to 4.5 per cent. Scoliosis is about twice more common in girls than boys.

Although AIS has no known cause, bad posture and unhealthy habits are contributing factors.

“Playing electronic games for several hours, slouching, slumping on the sofa or sitting cross-legged can cause your back muscles to tense up and affect a balanced muscle development,” said Lam, who heads the Hong Kong Institute of Chinese Medicine Culture, an association of practitioners.

Prolonged use of mobile phones puts extra strain on the neck and affects healthy development of the spine, Lam said.

He added that it is important for children with scoliosis to find suitable treatment before their bones stop growing.

“It’s a race against time.” said Lam. “If children don’t find the right treatment while they are going through puberty, their condition can worsen in a very short period. We’re talking about an increase of one degree every month.”

Original article and pictures take www.corespirit.com site

How Acupuncture Can Improve IVF Success Rates

How Acupuncture Can Improve IVF Success Rates

Here at Natural Fertility Info, we are always hoping that a naturally conceived pregnancy is in your future. Unfortunately, we also understand that isn’t always possible and that sometimes… medical treatments will be necessary in order to achieve pregnancy. In those cases, we always advocate for an integrative approach – combining western medicine treatments with alternative methods in order to experience the best of both worlds.

Receiving the Benefits Each Realm of Medicine has to Offer

When it comes to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), this stance holds strong. We encourage all our readers pursuing IVF to continue adhering to a healthy fertility diet and maintaining some of the wellness practices we always hold so dear. And of course, a few extra needle pricks couldn’t hurt either.

We get it. When you are going through IVF, you are likely beyond the point of being over needles. After giving yourself multiple injections a day for the last several weeks, lying back for an acupuncture appointment may not be at the top of your list of things to do. Hear us out though, because we think you will come to agree that those extra needles are totally worth the additional pricks they require.

Unlike many alternative treatments, acupuncture has been gaining support in the western medicine world as science has started to recognize its many benefits. There have been a variety of studies conducted reviewing the implications for acupuncture and fertility, and recent reports have shown a 65 percent increase in pregnancy success rates when IVF is combined with acupuncture treatments. Those same studies have shown rates of live births nearly doubled in cases where acupuncture was used, compared to IVF patients who received no acupuncture or sham acupuncture.

What Makes Acupuncture so Effective for IVF?

The reasons acupuncture can increase success rates aren’t fully understood. Ultrasounds have shown that acupuncture can improve uterine blood flow, which may create a more hospitable environment for implantation.

One thing most doctors and scientists seem to agree on is that acupuncture at the very least can have a calming effect on patients. While embroiled in the stress of fertility treatments, that improved relaxation can be crucial to overall wellness – particularly when you understand how stress hormones can inhibit fertility. If for no other reason, acupuncture can be a great relaxation technique to rely on.

If you are hoping to receive the full benefits of treatments, however, you should consider utilizing acupuncture treatments on the same day as your embryo transfer. Many fertility clinics are now employing full time acupuncturists specifically for this reason, so it is worth talking to your doctor to find out what is available. In cases where a clinic does not have an on-staff practitioner, however, they may still allow you to bring your own in. Or you can plan on making an appointment with a local acupuncturist in the hours immediately following your transfer. When looking for a practitioner, try to seek out someone who has experience working with fertility patients, as they will have a greater understanding of the points which should be manipulated.

Remember that acupuncture is not a guarantee that your IVF cycle will work, but it can be a natural way to improve your chances of success. Enjoy the relaxation benefits that acupuncture can provide, and sit back envisioning your healthy embryo accomplishing a smooth implantation into your uterus. The risks are limited when it comes to this alternative treatment, and the benefits can be well worth the few extra needle pricks required.

Original article and pictures take natural-fertility-info.com site