Nightshade Vegetables And Arthritis

White (not sweet) potatoes, tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, eggplant, tomatillos, tamarios, pepinos, pimentos, paprika, cayenne, and Tabasco sauce are classified as nightshade foods. The ongoing question is, “Do nightshade vegetables increase joint problems such as arthritis?” The controversy stems from alkaloids, a particular compound found in nightshade foods. Whether alkaloids can contribute to joint damage is not clear from current levels of research. Some researchers have speculated that nightshade alkaloids can contribute to excessive loss of calcium from bone and excessive depositing of calcium in soft tissue. For this reason, these researchers have recommended elimination of nightshade foods from the meal plans of all individuals with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other joint problems like gout.

Because the amount of alkaloids is very low in nightshade foods when compared with other nightshade plants, health problems from nightshade foods may only occur in individuals who are especially sensitive to these alkaloid substances. Non-sensitive individuals may be able to eat these foods, especially in cooked form, without problem. If you are not sure about your sensitivity, but you have an existing joint problem like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout, temporary 2-3 week elimination of nightshade foods from your meal plan may be a worthwhile step to determine if these foods could be contributing to your joint problems

"Nightshade" is actually the common name for more than 2,800 species of plants, herbs, shrubs, and trees, many with very different properties and constituents. Nightshades are actually more famous as drugs than as foods for example, mandrake, tobacco, and belladonna.

Acupuncture And A Healthy Pregnancy

Here is another very informative article from Acufinder.com

Acupuncture and Pregnancy
By: Naomi Rabinowitz MD, Dipl.Ac.

Since Confucianism involves ancestral worship, the Chinese have been strongly committed to having healthy children. A sturdy son was desired in particular, since it would be he who would tend the shrine of his departed antecedents. Chinese Medicine developed to address the expectations of the faithful follower of that tradition. Treatment evolved to help couples to conceive and then to foster a healthy pregnancy and uncomplicated delivery.

Acupuncture as it is practiced today is a safe, comfortable and cost effective treatment for many of the problems that commonly develop in pregnancy. This is especially true since pharmaceuticals are contraindicated in pregnant women in most cases.

How can acupuncture be used in pregnancy?

1. Acupuncture for the healthy mom
2. Acupuncture for pre-existing medical issues
3. Acupuncture for pregnancy related conditions

Psychological issues
Physical problems
Fatigue
Morning Sickness
Heartburn
Constipation
Hemorrhoids
Back Pain and Sciatica
Edema
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Rhinitis of pregnancy

4. Breech Presentation
5. Induction for post due date
6. Labor
7. Acupuncture for Post-partum disorders:

Fatigue
Postpartum vaginal discharge
Postpartum Depression
Mastitis
Insufficient or Excessive Lactation

Post Operative Healing Historical Context

It is useful to look at the historical context in which acupuncture for pregnancy developed to realize the ways that it may be utilized today. Since Confucianism involves ancestral worship, the Chinese have been strongly committed to having healthy children. A sturdy son was desired in particular, since it would be he who would tend the shrine of his departed antecedents. Chinese Medicine developed to address the expectations of the faithful follower of that tradition. Treatment evolved to help couples to conceive and then to foster a healthy pregnancy and uncomplicated delivery. Acupuncture as it is practiced today is a safe, comfortable and cost effective treatment for many of the problems that commonly develop in pregnancy.

This is especially true since pharmaceuticals are contraindicated in pregnant women in most cases. That being said, it is important to receive acupuncture with a well trained practitioner because there are some acupuncture points that are traditionally forbidden to do during the nine months of gestation. These points are the ones that are known to strongly move Qi (energy) and blood through the pelvis, including obvious points like those on the lower abdomen, and also the famous points we use to treat gynecological disorders: LI4 and SP6 In fact these two points when strongly stimulated have been used to induce abortion. I have read that they were frequently used in Maoist China when the one child per family edict was strictly enforced. Acupuncture, of course, when properly applied can help to prevent, not cause miscarriages.

Acupuncture for the healthy mom

Acupuncture treatment is recommended once a month to ensure the optimal health of the mother and the developing fetus at different stages of growth and differentiation. Tradition has it that Zhubin (K9), the "beautiful baby point", should be needled at the end of the third and sixth months to ensure a happy, healthy, and of course, gorgeous baby. The Chinese name for the point means "guest house". The Zhubin point, located just below the calf muscle and above the inner ankle bone, is known to calm the mind, relieve anxiety and help to build blood. It is claimed that "stimulating this point minimizes the transmission of toxins from the mother to the child, increases the health of the baby and its resistance to disease and also tonifies the mother's Qi."In preparation for labor and delivery during the last month of the pregnancy the expectant mom should be seen weekly.

Acupuncture for pre-existing medical issues

While the focus of this article is to address the treatment of conditions that arise as a direct result of pregnancy, acupuncture can be used to treat conditions that antedate the pregnancy, such as migraine headache or allergies. In most cases acupuncture is a safer approach than the use of prescription medications.

Acupuncture for pregnancy related conditions

The severity of symptoms in the pregnant woman often reflects the health and lifestyle choices of the woman before getting pregnant: Did she have a healthy diet? Did she smoke or drink alcohol or use caffeine on a regular basis? Did she have a lot of emotional stressors? If so, her Qi may be depleted, out of balance or blocked and the added burden of the growing fetus may make her more symptomatic.

1. Psychological issues

The most common symptoms we treat at Turning Point Acupuncture are worry, anxiety and overall tension. All pregnant women are concerned about their pregnancy and the transition happening in her life. As a New Yorker she is probably also juggling a hectic schedule of appointments and responsibilities. At the very least, acupuncture is deeply relaxing and helps to promote internal balance as well as an outwardly balanced perspective.

Some women are clinically depressed in the course of their pregnancy. This can occur when there is blocked energy in the liver organ system from anger, resentment, frustration or mechanical damage to the liver from chemical or viral sources. By addressing the underlying disharmony we can help ameliorate the symptoms in pregnancy and potentially avoid post-partum depression of the same origin.

Substance abuse can also be addressed using acupuncture. The treatment can help women who are trying not to smoke cigarettes or who have trouble avoiding alcohol or psychoactive drugs including sleeping medication. Even the severely dependent can benefit from the treatment as is evidenced by pioneering work at Lincoln Hospital with crack-addicted mothers. Women with addictions who are hoping to have a healthy pregnancy should seek psychological support in individual counseling and 12 Step programs.

2. Physical problems

Fatigue

Because of the intense demand placed on the mother's resources by the growing fetus, all pregnant women experience fatigue. While nothing can substitute for sleep and a nourishing diet, acupuncture ensures that the internal organs are functioning optimally, that the Qi is flowing freely without blockages and that there is a harmonious balance of the yin and yang forces in the body. Acupuncture also helps with the increased production of blood and other fluids in pregnancy.

Morning Sickness

The first trimester is often accompanied by morning sickness marked by nausea and sometimes vomiting. The symptom is a reflection of an underlying Qi imbalance in the digestive function of the internal organs. Often it can be attributed to the spleen organ system. The spleen is particularly sensitive to worry. This condition is responsive to acupuncture treatment. Pericardium 6 is the most famous point used since it harmonizes the digestion. The aim of the treatment is to subdue rebellious stomach Qi moving in the wrong direction. Sea bands, easily found in health food stores to treat sea sickness and vertigo, work by stimulating this point and can be used to treat morning sickness. Ginger, an ingredient commonly used in Chinese herbal formulas to assist assimilation, can also be used as a digestive aid.

Excessive vomiting is referred to as hyperemesis gravidum in the medical literature and can be severe enough to require hospitalization. The usefulness of acupuncture treatment for this condition has been widely studied and found to be superior to pharmaceutical intervention.

* Other common digestive tract issues that arise in pregnancy that can be treated with acupuncture include:

Heartburn
Constipation
Hemorrhoids

Back Pain and Sciatica

from mechanical compression are common complaints in pregnancy especially in the later months. Up to ¾ of women experience some form of this discomfort. The pain can interfere with sleep. Here again is an instance in which acupuncture treatment can relieve the discomfort when medication is not an option.

Edema

Swelling is common in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy due to the increase in circulating fluid in the body. Fluid accumulates most often in the hands, feet and ankles, but the face and legs can also get puffy. The condition is usually worse at the end of the day and in warm weather. Acupuncture is appropriate to treat this kind of mild swelling. From a TCM perspective the fluid may be from stagnant Qi, or deficiency in the spleen or kidney organ systems. The presence of severe swelling, an increase of blood pressure and protein in the urine, are possible warning signs of preeclampsia, a potentially serious complication, and should be evaluated by an obstetrician.

Here are two less common pregnancy associated conditions for which acupuncture is helpful:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Because of the extra fluid circulating in the pregnant woman, there can be compression of the median nerve in the wrist resulting in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Other than wearing a wrist brace there is no other Western medical treatment except surgery for this condition. Since it will resolve after delivery, acupuncture is an ideal temporary treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome during the pregnancy.

Rhinitis of pregnancy

The significant nasal congestion that accompanies some women's pregnancy is a hormonal effect. In fact, some women on birth control pills also have this reaction. Since most decongestant medications are contraindicated in pregnancy, this is another condition for which acupuncture is applicable.

3. Breech Presentation

A fascinating use of Chinese Medicine in pregnancy is its role in turning a fetus that is presenting breech, i.e., feet first. The technique is most effective between the 28th and 34th week, up to 36 weeks of pregnancy. The optimal time for effectiveness is 32-34 weeks. Past the 36th week there is usually not enough room for the fetus to turn around.

The treatment uses the herb mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) called "moxa' in Chinese. Moxibustion is the burning of the herb moxa and the application of the generated heat to certain acupoints. For turning the fetus we primarily use the point Zhiyin (Bladder 67) located on the outside corner of the nail on the little toe. Using a Moxa stick, a tight roll of powdered herb that resembles a large cigar, an acupuncturist holds the smoldering, non-toxic stick a half inch away from the Zhiyin (UB 67) point on the foot. The procedure is repeated on the opposite foot and continued for 15-20 minutes, alternating between the right and left foot. Although it is ideal to have a therapist or partner apply the stick, a woman can apply the Moxa stick herself.

The whole procedure (either with the Moxa stick or the needle) should be repeated twice a day for a maximum of ten days, yet most babies turn within three days. Once turned into the appropriate headfirst position, patients should stop using the technique, as it could cause the baby to turn back to breech. Zhiyin (UB 67) must not be used in patients who have high blood pressure, any kind of infection or higher-than-normal body temperature or are expecting twins. Women should stop Zhiyin (UB 67) if it causes sleep difficulty or uterine cramping or makes the baby overly active

A Japanese study published in 2000 confirmed that stimulation of acupuncture points is effective in correcting breech positioning. By studying 357 women with breech presentation they found that the moxibustion treatment group had a correction rate of 92.48 percent compared to the control group which had a spontaneous correction rate of 73.66 percent.

*Other studies have not shown such spectacular results, but all show that the use of Zhiyin stimulation produces a large, statistically significant improvement over the control group.

The mechanism of action of the treatment is unknown but here are some findings that suggest what is happening:

Increased fetal activity
Relaxation of the uterine myometrium (muscle layer) making a more favorable environment for the fetus to move
Increased blood flow in the uterine and umbilical arteries

The Zhiyin treatment is cheap, safe, effective, simple, painless and generally well tolerated. It can be self-administered, but preferably done by a partner or acupuncture practitioner.

4. Induction for post due date

Having carefully avoided needling the "forbidden points" during the pregnancy, the acupuncture practitioner can now freely apply all of theses points to move energy through the pelvis. This disruption of the flow of Qi can result in uterine contraction.

5. Labor Acupuncture

Use in labor and delivery is a common practice in China where the birth process is considered natural and to be interfered with as little as possible. Acupuncture's use is to assist Nature. It can be used to strengthen weak contractions and to diminish pain. In England it has been observed that acupuncture assisted delivery is shorter, less painful, less stressful for the mother and less likely to result in post partum hemorrhage.

Acupuncture for Post-partum disorders

Although she will be very busy, the new mother should be encouraged to get acupuncture treatment after delivery. The restoration of her own health is imperative for her own well being and for her ability to be present for her newborn.

Among the conditions that acupuncture can address after birth are:

Fatigue
Postpartum vaginal discharge
Postpartum Depression
Mastitis
Insufficient or Excessive Lactation

If there has been caesarian section, acupuncture can help with the post operative healing.

Note: Care has to be taken using Chinese herbs after delivery if the mother plans to breast feed.

Managing Anxiety

Today I have a guest blogger, my mom! Dr. Linda Edelstein, a clinical psychologist, author and professor.

With the intense political climate and widespread financial mess, I think that these are appropriate times to think about managing anxiety. Whether our worries are global or close to home, such as jobs, families and ourselves, almost everyone I know (in my personal life as well as in my clinical practice) seems to be in a state of anxiety. So here are some brief thoughts on the topic.

Anxiety, at its core, is a fear reaction. It is the expectation of danger. An example - When you wait for the doctor to walk into the office with test results, the moment the door opens, your stomach tightens and you hold your breath. You are afraid that you are going to receive news that will negatively change your life. The answer to these feelings can’t be, “So, don’t go to the doctor.”

What is the answer? I know that I sound like the politicians when I say that there is no quick and easy answer, but here are some tips to manage anxiety:

1. Learn to recognize the signals of anxiety in your body and your mind.
(feeling edgy, irritable, experiencing muscle tension, trouble concentrating)

2. Ask yourself, “What am I afraid of?”
(be thoughtful, honest and specific in your responses)

3. Ask yourself, “Is there anything that I can reasonably do about my worries?”
(sometimes ‘yes’, sometimes ‘no’)

Sometimes you must sit with uncertainty, you must tolerate not yet knowing an answer. While you sit, you may want to: breathe, talk to trusted people, get enough sleep, eat regular meals, get some exercise, consider plan B, participate in an activity that engages your mind, call Jenny for acupuncture, and be grateful for the life that you have. Being grateful has health benefits.

When I’m invited back, I want to talk further about simplifying life and reducing anxiety in the long term.

Linda N. Edelstein, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist with private practices in Evanston and Chicago. She is the author of “Maternal Bereavement,” “The Art of Midlife,” and the best selling, “The Writer’s Guide to Character Traits. She presents papers nationally, consults to business executives, and teaches at Northwestern University.

Chinese Herbal Medicine used in Space

I am happy to report that TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) has truly become universal!

China has just launched it's third mission into space and the Taikonauts are using Chinese herbal medicine to combat motion sickness. I have quoted an article from the Ottawa Citizen below.

"The taikonauts are taking traditional Chinese medicine specifically designed to combat space motion sickness on their voyage.

Taikong Yangxin, or space heart-nourishing capsules, are "made of more than 10 types of Chinese herbs and have proven to be effective in improving the astronaut's cardiovascular condition," according to Li Yongzhi, director of the medical arm of the country's astronaut training centre.

She told Xinhua News Agency that TCM pills are superior to western motion sickness cures because they do not have side-effects."

To read the whole article check out this link

http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=f6d12166-ff9a-40e3-ae33-bec0ffe6e376

Winter Squash Soup

Winter Squash is a wonderful food for autumn. The abundance of this tasty squash peaks in early Fall and is available to early winter. Winter squash is a food that nourishes your Yang energy which is masculine in nature and is described as light, dry, directed, focused, logical, and action oriented.

In the fall, I suggest that you switch from cold, uncooked foods, such as salads, to more warm, cooked foods, such as soups and steamed vegetables. This brings us to winter squash which is sweet and warm, beneficial to your digestion, and supplements qi. Squash also disperses inflammation and, in that way decreases pain. Most importantly, squash tastes terrific!

Below, I found a recipe that pairs squash with another wonderful food, ginger. Ginger is so important that I want to devote an exclusive entry to it at a later date but, since the rainy days have chilled us, suffice to say that ginger benefits digestion, neutralize poisons in food, ventilates your lungs, aids the circulation to your limbs and, as a medicine, it has been shown to be helpful in counteracting nausea from morning sickness, motion sickness, and food contamination.

Our First Fall Recipe: Ginger Squash Soup

This delicious soup is the perfect “comfort food”. Brenda Langton, owner of restaurants Cafe Brenda and Spoon River, recommends experimenting with the many different winter squash varieties to find the balance of richness and sweetness that best suits your taste. Here is a recipe from The Cafe Brenda Cookbook.

Ingredients

1 medium butternut or buttercup squash
2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 tablespoons peeled and chopped ginger root
2 large cloves garlic, chopped
4 cups vegetable stock3 tablespoons yellow or white miso
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper juice of
1 orange
1/4 to 1/2 cup half and half (optional)

Directions

1. Wash the squash well. Peel and use the peelings in the stock. Chop the squash into 1-inch pieces, discarding the seeds. You should have about 4-5 cups chopped squash.

2. In a large soup kettle, saute the onion, ginger, and garlicin vegetable oil. When the onion softens, add the squash and saute for five more minutes.

3. Add stock and cover pot. Simmer over medium heat for 30-40 minutes.

4. Add miso, salt, pepper and orange juice. Puree soup in a blender in batches, if necessary, until smooth. Add cream. If the soup is too thick, add more soup stock.

Serves 4-6.

If you are trying to avoid eating dairy products, try adding coconut milk.
This adds a creamy texture and a coconut flavor.

Tips For A Healthy Fall Season

Foods - Eat more cooked and fewer raw foods. Sour, astringent foods like lemon, lime, pickle, vitamin C, seaweed, and sourdough bread can all benefit your health. Enjoy spicy/pungent foods like onion, garlic, radish, horseradish, and cabbage. Hearty concentrated foods like root vegetables, soy products and barley are also foods for the Fall. Pumpkin, winter squash (I'll soon be posting a new recipe for winter squash soup), and sweet potato are all great choices. Almonds, apples, and pears (especially Asian apple pears) are beneficial to the respiratory system.

Herbs - Astragalus is an herb that is often used to boost immunity and aid resistance to illness by increasing phagocytosis and your white blood cell count. Chinese research has shown it to have a protective effect against the common cold when taken consistently for two to eight weeks. Astragalus works best as a long-term preventive measure. It is best to take it as a tea through the cold and flu season to enhance immunity and prevent illness. For more information on Astragalus check my previous post here.

Protect - As the weather changes, it is easy to catch colds and flus. Protect the back of your neck from the winds with a scarf or collar.

New Acupuncture Study Shows Benefit For Women With Breast Cancer

Today, ABC News Healthbeat featured a story on a new acupuncture study which shows benefits for women who are undergoing treatment for breast cancer. The information reported is below.

"Acupuncture therapy is proving beneficial for some women with breast cancer. In fact, it works better than some traditional medicines.

New research suggests that acupuncture may help ease some of the side effects of breast cancer treatment and it may be more effective than antidepressants for relieving hot flashes and more.

The study from the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit compared the effectiveness of acupuncture to drug therapy. Acupuncture was just as effective without the side effects.

Traditional treatments can induce early menopause and many Doctors usually prescribe antidepressants which have their own side effects.

Researchers say more has to be done to get insurance companies to pay for the procedure. "

The Work Of Autumn Is Reflection And Refocus

In this season, Nature lets go of its abundant creation of the past year in a grand final display. Leaves turn brilliant colors and drop back to the earth, enriching it to promote (nourish) the coming growth. In autumn, we can learn more about ourselves because, after a harvest, everything is bare. Autumn marks the end of the growing season, so it becomes a natural turning inward. Outer-directed energy falls away to be replaced by reflection and then creation.

Nature instructs us about the cycle of creation and letting go: Trees in autumn don’t stubbornly hold onto their leaves because they might need to wear them next year. Yet how many of us defy the cycle and hold onto what we’ve produced or collected - those decayed leaves in the form of old negativity, outdated attitudes, or fears? How can we hope for a healthy harvest next year unless we release the old, rest and start fresh with renewed focus?

The lesson of this season, more than any other, tells us to release the waste, the old, and the stale aspects of our lives in order to uncover all that is meaningful and fresh.

The Wonderful Chinese Herb Huang qi (also known as Astragalus)

Astragalus is actually a genus of plant with over 2000 species. Its name, “Huang qi” means “yellow leader” because this long yellow tap root is one of the most important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine and commonly used. Huang Qi is a great herb for fall as it helps prevent colds, allergies and the flu.

Its familiarity in the US may be attributed to extensive scientific study that began in the 1970s. Research has confirmed the herb's ability to cause minimal disruption to the body while normalizing body functions, no matter the condition or disease.

Astragalus is deservedly popular because it helps the body in a variety of ways. It stimulates the immune system so it is often used for treating the common cold and upper respiratory infections. Astragalus strengthens the body during periods of immune deficiency and is effective with allergies and in avoidance of the white blood cell deficiencies (leukopenia) that occur during chemotherapy. It also fights bacteria, viruses, and inflammation; it protects the liver, acts as a diuretic, benefits digestive functions, and treats disorders of the skin from burns to carbuncles. It is used in the treatment of hepatitis, chronic colitis, senility, cardiovascular diseases and AIDS and viral conditions because it increases interferon production and enhances NK and T-cell function. Finally, Astragalus can be used to promote the functions of several other herbs, such as Dan Shen (Salvia) and Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis root).

Astragalus is also used by itself, usually as a liquid extract, or a tea, Dosage depends on the application and form. When I was in Graduate school some of my professors would put Huang Qi in the chicken stock when they made chicken soup.

Pomegranate Juice Fights Heart Disease

Pomegranate Juice Fights Heart Disease, Study Says
By: Diane Joswick, L.Ac., MSOM

In China, the pomegranate fruit symbolized longevity. Now there is scientific evidence for the fruit's restorative powers.Scientists have tested the juice in mice and found that it combats hardening of the arteries (atherogenesis) and related diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes.

According to results published in the August 2006 issue of Atherosclerosis, subjects who drank 180 ml (6 oz.) of pomegranate juice per day for three months experienced a reduced risk for atherosclerosis, a condition that leads to arterial wall thickening and hardening.

Scientists have long known about health benefits of pomegranates. The latest studies are showing that the juice limits the genetic tendency toward hardening of the arteries.

"We have established that polyphenols [antioxidant chemicals] and other natural compounds contained in the pomegranate juice may retard atherogenesis," said Claudio Napoli, a professor of medicine and clinical pathology at the University of Naples, Italy. "The protective effects of pomegranate juice were higher than previously assumed."

This article was taken from acufinder.com

Today Show Features Chinese Medicine For Fertility

I am so happy to report that this morning the Today Show did a very positive segment on Chinese Medicine and how it can improve fertility. I have known for years how helpful both Acupuncture and Herbs can be to help couples get pregnant. I'm glad Meredith Vieira and others are finally taking notice.

To watch the video click here and scroll down.

Best of Both Worlds: Acupuncture and ART can Improve Fertility

This is the 2nd article in a series on fertility. For part 1, The ABCs of Fertility: Acupuncture, Babies, and Chinese Medicine, click here.

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has improved greatly in recent years, and increasing numbers of couples have benefited from the scientific advances. At the same time, more and more people are turning to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), either alone or in conjunction with their Western treatments to improve their chances of conceiving and delivering healthy children.

In this article, I will try to help you to understand when to use TCM, when to use ART, and when to use them together.

ART works with an eye on the numbers, thereby increasing your chances of a viable pregnancy. In contrast, Traditional Chinese Medicine is holistic, seeing the interconnectedness of all the body’s systems. When healthy and balanced, you are more likely to get pregnant and produce a healthy child. The goal of acupuncture is to return your body to a state of health. The effects are cumulative; they take time; the results get better and better. Even if your Western doctor does not understand the benefits of acupuncture, most physicians now agree that it does not cause harm.

BENEFITS OF TCM

TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) techniques provide the following benefits:

· improves the function of the ovaries which allows the development of better quality of eggs and embryos
. can regulate hormones and ovulation
· increases blood flow to the uterus
· helps thicken uterine lining if it is too thin
· strengthens the immune system
· reduces stress
· lessens side effects of drugs

and, for the men:

· improves semen quality and quantity
. helps with relaxation and overall health

In a paper presented at the 12th World Congress on Human Reproduction, a group of physicians described acupuncture as the variable that contributed to significant improvements in the number of live births, the lowered miscarriage rate, and improved IVF outcomes. These same doctors have reported prior success with patients who experienced longer histories of infertility and additional successes with patients who had good prognoses. In a recent article in Psychology Today, the author suggests acupuncture and writes, “you may want to consider some natural assists to fertility. You won’t be alone. As many as three-quarters of people undergoing conventional treatments for infertility use some form of alternative therapy as well.”

WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?

If you want to become pregnant, what are your options? The following chart will help you to figure out how and when to incorporate TCM into your pregnancy plans.

Group # 1*- You can try TCM before going the Western fertility treatment route if you are:

· A younger woman – under 35 years old
· A woman who has only 1 minor impediment, such as, mild endometriosis, an irregular menstrual cycle, mild PCOS (Polycystic ovary disease) , or a hormone imbalance
· A couple in good health with unexplained infertility and/or no detectible abnormality
* Include the lifestyle and diet changes as well

Group # 2- You may want to combine ART with your TCM if you are:

· A woman over 35 years old
· A woman who has several of the minor impediments listed above that can interfere with pregnancy
· A woman whose partner has mild abnormalities in sperm count or quality (he ought to consider TCM treatment)
· Feeling like you are running out of time

Group #3 – ART might be needed with your TCM treatment when your are:

· A woman over 40 years old who has tried unsuccessfully to get pregnant for over 6 months
· A woman with major impediments, such as blocked tubes
· Partnered with a man who has seriously low sperm count or poor quality

These decisions would be carefully made in discussions with your TCM practitioner and your M.D.

THE TREATMENT PROTOCOL

The majority of the recommendations from Part 1 of this article apply to couples undergoing ART as well as those who are not. When you are doing TCM exclusively, you may need to give it 3-6 months to ready your body for pregnancy. It takes that long. If you plan to combine TCM with other treatments, I recommend that treatment begins 3 months before fertility procedures commence and continues throughout your western treatment. Ideally, patients come twice a week. If the problem is sperm quality or quantity, this plan is useful for men as well as women because the period of sperm maturation takes between 70-90 days. While these procedures are ideal, I have had many people come in just prior to IVF, or during an IVF cycle, and they have still had improvement.

If a woman is undergoing IVF, I want a woman to get treated on the day of the transfer, before and after, or as close as possible. I encourage women to continue with treatment after a positive pregnancy test once a week for the first trimester to help prevent miscarriage. Women who have more difficulty getting pregnant have a slightly higher rate of miscarriage.

What does TCM treatment look like? Procedures other than acupuncture that might be included are: cupping; electric stimulation; and moxibustion. Herbs are also a very useful and an important component of TCM, especially in gynecology. Acupuncture points and protocols vary from patient to patient because each person has different needs. For example, with a woman suffering from endometriosis, we would focus on moving the blood, whereas with a woman who is not ovulating, we would concentrate on nourishing the blood. Treatment is completely designed for you as an individual, depending on the factors noted above, your health and your goals.

1.Liang, Lisang. Acupuncture and IVF. Colorado: Blue Poppy, 2003.
2.Magarelli, Paul et al. “Acupuncture:Impact on Pregnancy Outcomes in IVF Patients,” 12th World Congress on Human Reproduction, Venice, Italy, March, 2005.
3.Ibid. “Acupuncture & IVF Poor Responders: A Cure?” Proceedings from the 2004 Pacific Coast Reproductive Society annual meeting in Palm Springs, 2004.
4.Ibid. “Acupuncture and Good Prognosis IVF Patients” Proceedings from the 2004 ASRM meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2004.
5.Oliwenstein, Lori. “On Fertile Ground” Psychology Today November/December, 2005, pgs 64-65.

ABCs of Fertility: Acupuncture, Babies, Chinese Medicine - Part 1

Many women get pregnant easily, but it is unlikely that they are reading this article. For other couples, having a baby may be more difficult and therefore frustrating. If you are having difficulty, undoubtedly you want to optimize the likelihood of a pregnancy by practicing informed, healthy, fertile choices.

In order to increase your chances of getting pregnant, you need to create an inviting environment for an embryo to implant and develop. In this article, I will go over: what to look for in a healthy menstrual cycle; diet suggestions; lifestyle tips to enhance fertility; and how acupuncture can have a powerful effect on the reproductive system, alone or in conjunction with Western medicine. In the second part of this series, I will explain how to effectively combine Western and Eastern medicine. These ideas, and the ones in Part 11, have suggestions that can be easily implemented.

A Healthy Menstrual Cycle

Awareness of your body always gives you power. Whether you are using Western medicine and manipulating your cycle with drugs or not using artificial means, it is essential to know what a healthy menstrual cycle looks like. An ideal cycle is regular; it lasts 28 days (25-35 days is a good range); it contains little PMS; most blood is bright red; and has no blood clots. But, there are also others things to look for.

The time period before ovulation is your follicular phase. This is the phase in which follicles grow and one follicle becomes dominant. At ovulation time, the dominant follicle releases an egg. The follicular phase is considered the yin part of the cycle in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

All women have cervical discharge throughout the month. The discharge is healthiest when it is clear to white, not any other color. The discharge that indicates fertility is called S-type and is that which begins approximately 6 days before ovulation with the rise of estrogen. This discharge will be clear, stretchy and have the consistency of raw egg white. A substantive discharge means increased fertility because it facilitates pathways for sperm to enter the uterus. This discharge is considered yin in nature. If you are lacking this type of cervical discharge, you might be yin deficient. (Later, in the Diet and Lifestyle Tips, note the tips that enhance yin). Drugs that dry up or interfere with cervical fluid are antihistamines, atropine, N-SAIDS, and antidepressants.

Ovulation is the release of the egg. The egg lives for 6-12 hours after it is released. The sperm lives for up to 5 days. The prime time to start engaging in intercourse would be 4-5 days prior to ovulation, 48 hours being the optimal time. The phase after ovulation is the luteal phase. This phase is more yang in nature. (Check yang dietary suggestions and lifestyle tips).

Once you begin to bleed, Traditional Chinese Medicine says that you are most deficient and are more vulnerable. To avoid depletion while you are bleeding, keep your feet warm, don’t walk around the house barefoot, and don’t swim in cold water. While you are bleeding and right after, it is important to nourish your blood (check Diet and Lifestyle Tips for foods that nourish your blood)

Knowing your cycle allows you to encourage each phase to perform optimally.

Diet Suggestions

In general for men and women, eat organic foods when possible and avoid meats that have been treated with hormones or fish that contains mercury. Women need to eat food with essential fatty acids, e.g., soy products and wild caught salmon. Essential fatty acids are also found in non-hydrogenated cold pressed oils like flaxseed, winter vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots, and all dark green vegetables. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. A Yale University School of Medicine study found that the risk of infertility was 55% higher for women drinking 1cup of coffee per day, 100% higher for women drinking 1 and 1 Ѕ - 3 cups, and 176% higher for those drinking more than 3 cups of coffee per day.

Chinese medicine takes an energetic view of our bodies and our organs, meaning that bodily energy needs to move freely and stagnation causes problems. The energy of the kidney system is very important for reproduction.

For men and women, foods that nourish their kidney essence include: chicken or duck and eggs from both; seeds and nuts; oysters; seaweed and algae.

For women, certain foods help nourish your bodies during the different phases of your cycle.

Foods that nourish Yin include: fruits such as raspberries, pineapples and grapes; vegetables such as asparagus and beans; adequate proteins, especially tofu and fish; and organ meats such as kidneys, brains and hearts. Avoid spicy, pungent foods.

Foods that nourish Yang include: warming foods: ginger; ginger tea; beans; grains; and vegetables such as mustard greens, winter squash, cabbage and kale. Avoid ice cold drinks, ice cream and foods that are very cold. In general, it is a good idea to avoid ice water and ice cream during pregnancy attempts.

Foods that nourish blood include: fruits such as blackberries, raspberries and grapes; organic meats and poultry; soup stock made from the bones of the meat and poultry; and vegetables such as turnips, spinach and dark, leafy greens.

Lifestyle Tips

For both men and women, try to get good amounts of sleep and limit stress. Of course, difficulties with fertility send stress skyrocketing but that makes it even more important to find ways to relieve stress. Meditation, yoga, relaxing with friends and any other calming activities that work for you are encouraged.

For men, skip saunas, hot tubs and tight clothes, all of which heat up sperm.

For women, enjoy the foods noted above, exercise as a stress reliever and to maintain health but don’t overdo it. Excessive exercise depletes Yin. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs have a long history of benefiting fertility in many ways.

Benefits of acupuncture include:

1.improved uterine lining

2.increased blood flow to the uterus

3.regulation of hormones

4.reduction of stress associated with fertility problems

Recently a study demonstrated that sperm quality and motility was improved after the men received acupuncture treatments. The men treated experienced increased sperm motility levels, increased the number and percentage of healthy sperm, and significant improvements in sperm structure and quality as compared to a control group. An important German study that received notable attention in the American press showed that acupuncture significantly increased the effectiveness of IVF success. Impressively, pregnancies were documented in 34 out of 80 patients (42.5%) in the acupuncture group as compared to 21 out of 80 patients (26.3%) in the control group. Part II of this article will explain how to use Western infertility treatments and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) together.

It is advisable to begin acupuncture 3 months before attempting to get pregnant, but most women wait until they are actively trying to conceive. In my practice, I see women 2 times weekly until we get a positive pregnancy test result and 1 time weekly for the first trimester to reduce the risk of miscarriage.

The main goal of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is to keep the body in balance or to restore balance. This is one reason why TCM is so effective with fertility which depends on a balanced body.

Bibliography

Dulgosz, L. and Brachs, M. Epidemiologic Reviews, Vol. 14 pg. 83, 1992.Pei, J., Strehler, E., Noss, U. et al. Fertility and Sterility, July, Vol. 84 (1), pgs. 141-7, 2005.Paulus, W., Zhang, et al. Fertility and Sterility April, Vol. 77 (4), 2002.

Check out Part 11 here
Best of Both Worlds: Acupuncture and ART can Improve Fertility

Research Shows Acupuncture is an Effective Treatment for Arthritis

Dr Brian Berman, University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore,
conducted one of the world's longest and largest clinical trials to investigate
the efficacy of acupuncture in treating osteoarthritis. His team found
significantly reduced pain and improved mobility.

NCCAM director Dr Stephen Straus said: "For the first time, a clinical trial
with sufficient rigor, size, and duration has shown that acupuncture reduces the
pain and functional impairment of osteoarthritis of the knee."

"These results also indicate that acupuncture can serve as an effective addition
to a standard regimen of care and improve quality of life for knee
osteoarthritis sufferers. NCCAM has been building a portfolio of basic and
clinical research that is now revealing the power and promise of applying
stringent research methods to ancient practices like acupuncture."

The study, ending in 2004, was funded by the National Center for Complementary
and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the National Institute of Arthritis and
Muscoloskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) treated a total of 570 patients aged
50 and older

Ongoing Acupuncture Study Reports Good Results for Women with PCOS

I’ll keep my eye on the study testing the impact of acupuncture on women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), at the University of Virginia Health System (UVAHS) and let you know what information comes from their work.

To date, they seem to be having success. “Over the last year we have seen women who never had a regular menstrual cycle start having regular periods. We can also boast several pregnancies since the study began,” said Lisa Pastore, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UVAHS. Dr. Pastore is the principle researcher of the study. She helps women with PCOS have regular menstrual cycles.

Five percent of reproductive age women are affected by PCOS. Symptoms can include small cysts on their ovaries, infrequent or irregular vaginal bleeding, male-pattern hair growth, and acne. Insulin resistance and pre-diabetes also can develop.

PCOS causes a hormonal imbalance, interfering with ovulation and ultimately, fertility. With several women in the study reporting pregnancies, Pastore believes acupuncture could be an important alternative, non-drug therapy for women with this disorder.

“Now we would like to recruit more people to the study in order to complete the study. It is important for research to have enough participants to ensure that the results are scientifically credible and not due to chance.”

I am glad to see that this study is being done. In my Chicago acupuncture practice I have treated several women with PCOS and had a lot of success in regulating their menstrual cycles.

Acupuncture Significantly Lowers Blood Pressure

This informative article was taken from acufinder.com

Study Shows Acupuncture Significantly Lowers Blood Pressure
By: Diane Joswick, L.Ac., MSOM

A German study published in the June 2007 issue of Circulation found that acupuncture significantly lowers both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The extent of the blood pressure reductions by acupuncture treatments was comparable to those seen with antihypertensive medication or aggressive lifestyle changes, including radical salt restrictions.

For the study, 160 outpatients with uncomplicated, mild to moderate hypertension were randomized to six weeks of acupuncture performed by Chinese medicine practitioners or to a sham procedure. Patients underwent 22 sessions, each 30 minutes in length. By the end of the six weeks, 24-hour ambulatory systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly reduced from baseline in the acupuncture-treated patients (5.4 mm Hg and 3.0 mm Hg, respectively). No significant changes were seen in the sham acupuncture group.

After six months the blood-pressure reductions disappeared, leading investigators to conclude that ongoing acupuncture treatments would be required to maintain the blood-pressure reductions.

Source: Circulation, June 2007

Chinese Medicine Offers Solutions During Healthy Aging Month

The Marin County Free Press reports that September is “Healthy Aging Month”. Who knew?? But September has offered the California paper a chance to reflect on aging. I’m reprinting portions of the article (and other information) here.

"Though aging is never an easy process, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers many solutions to the physical and emotional strains of getting older. As the baby boomers age, the number of seniors in America increases and will continue to do so in 2006, persons over 65 years old represented 12+% of U.S. population. In 2030, they will represent almost 20% of the US population. In fact, the largest growing segment of our population is that of 85 years and older. With such a large portion of the population facing old age, Americans are increasingly looking for more holistic modalities to ease this process"

"As we age, illnesses and ailments increase. The Center for Disease Control estimates that 88% of the population over 65 have at least one chronic condition and many have multiple chronic conditions that they battle on daily basis. The most frequently occurring conditions among the elderly are hypertension, arthritis, heart disease, cancer, diabetes and sinusitis."

"TCM encompasses a variety of preventative techniques that can all work to make the aging process easier and, for some, even slower. These include manual therapies, such as acupuncture and massage; exercises like tai chi and Qi gong, whose gentle movements and low physical impact are ideal for aging bodies; and herbal formulas.

By treating every patient as an individual and working to balance qi, TCM can alleviate and prevent many of the health problems experienced by seniors, such as depression, arthritis, memory loss, pain, muscle and joint stiffness, heart problems, diabetes, osteoporosis, insomnia, bladder and kidney problems, and impotence. Acupuncture can help aging bodies by increasing the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids, reducing muscular tension, relieving pain and releasing endorphins. Improved circulation brings fresh oxygen to body tissues, which eliminates waste products from inside the body and enhances recovery from diseases. By keeping the body balanced, acupuncture can both restore and maintain health"

Acupuncture and IVF Study Reports Good Early Results

Dr. Paul C. Magarelli, a specialist in the field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility, and Dr. Diane K. Cridennda, an acupuncturist, have done several studies on Acupuncture and IVF.

Just recently, they have announced more early results that link acupuncture to positive in-vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. The notably large study explores the increase in take-home baby rates associated with combined Eastern and Western medicine treatments. Their ongoing research shows a 15 percent increase in pregnancies, with a 23 percent climb in actual births in IVF patients treated with acupuncture. In addition, of the 578 patients from 2003 to 2008, 26 percent more patients became pregnant when acupuncture treatments were added to IVF, saving them the costs and heartache of having to repeat an IVF cycle. This savings would decrease the national IVF fertility costs by more than $150,000,000 per year in the United States alone.

Dr. Magarelli said, "Our study demonstrates that acupuncture increases uterine blood flow, reduces stress and has an overall positive impact on our IVF patients. And the results really speak for themselves: one of every four of our patients who have used acupuncture in conjunction with IVF has not had to repeat an IVF cycle to create their families."

Acupuncture Eases Chronic Headaches

Reuters news service has picked up a study that appears in the headache journal, Cephalalgia. The German researchers followed more than 15,000 adults with chronic (migraine or tension-type) headaches.

Of these patients, nearly 3,200 agreed to be randomly assigned to either have acupuncture added to their regular therapy or to stay with their usual care alone. The other 11,800 patients began acupuncture treatment. The acupuncture patients received up to 15 sessions over 3 months, and all patients were reassessed after 6 months. The study found that acupuncture patients reported greater pain improvements than those who stayed with their usual care only. Acupuncture patients dropped from an average of 8.4 headache days during 3 months to 4.7 by the study's end as compared to controls who went from 8.1 days initially to 7.5 days at the end of the study..

“Acupuncture plus routine care in patients with headache was associated with marked clinical improvements compared with routine care alone," writes the researchers, led by Dr. Stefan N. Willich of Charite University Medical Center in Berlin. This is the largest study to date that used acupuncture to ease headaches. It adds heavily to the body of evidence in support of acupuncture. Many studies found that adding acupuncture to standard headache medication brings patients additional pain relief, but some studies have found that "sham" acupuncture, using blunted needles that do not pierce the skin, was also effective.

More Than You Ever Wanted to Know About Kiwi

I love Kiwi, so I did a little research.....

The kiwi fruit was originally from China, but brought to New Zealand by Chinese missionaries where it was renamed kiwi after a native NZ bird. Today kiwi is grown and eaten in many countries. It is an unattractive little roundish fruit with hairy, brown skin but contains an exotic and delicious green interior with a sweet and mildly tangy taste.

The kiwi fruit is rich in vitamins C, E and A. It contains dietary fiber, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium and copper. It has a remarkable ability to remove excess sodium from the body which is good for the average person who eats too much salt. The kiwi is also rich in antioxidants ad digestive enzymes.

Kiwi fruit is said to promote respiratory health and ease wheezing and night coughing so a before bedtime salad of sliced kiwi fruit with a little cinnamon powder and honey can be comforting and helpful.

An ancient Chinese cure for shortness of breath and coughing spasms is syrup made of fresh kiwi fruit with honey and finely crushed aniseed. Recent reports indicate that the kiwi looks like a promising addition to the foods that can help support your immune system. One study found that mice that were fed a puree made from gold kiwi fruit showed improvement in their immune response. This is a preliminary study, and we are not rodents, but most of us are always interested in natural ways to boost our immune systems.

Acupuncture Gets A Thumbs Up On Oprah

Acupuncture has been featured on Oprah more than once (check my previous post Dr. Oz comments on acupuncture)

Dr. Oz had great things to say about Acupuncture, as did another Doctor who appeared on the show. Dr. Northrup gave acupuncture a big thumbs up when answering questions about hair loss and menopause. Here is what she said...

How can I prevent Hair loss?

Dr. Northrup says that Kristin's thinning hair may be a result of a hormonal imbalance. "You can get it back by eating a low-glycemic diet, making sure that you are on supplements," she says.Other than a low-glycemic diet, Dr. Northrup has one other recommendation for thinning hair. "Acupuncture can be very, very helpful for it," she says.

Could I be going through menopause?

Dr. Northrup also says acupuncture can make a big difference. "Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture can work wonders because it works with the chi of your body—the energy flow—and we have good scientific evidence that shows that acupuncture meridians are absolutely real and there," she says.Dr. Northrup said, "Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture can work wonders because it works with the Qi of your body-the energy flow-and we have good scientific evidence that shows that acupuncture meridians are absolutely real and there."

I'm so happy Oprah is taking notice of Chinese Medicine!

Acupuncture Cartoon ;)