Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional healing therapy in which fine needles are inserted into specific points on the body to alleviate various symptoms or conditions.
Most people's experience of needles is of those used in injections and blood tests. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to these. They are much finer, and are solid rather than hollow.
This makes acupuncture much less painful than may have been experienced during an injection.
Needles are then left in place for around twenty minutes, during and after which many report a feeling of relaxation and well-being. Most people feel nothing more than a dull ache or tingling sensation when the needles are inserted.
How does it work?
According to traditional Chinese philosophy, health is dependent on the body's motivating energy (known as Qi). Qi governs all essential life activities, spiritual, emotional and mental, as well as physical.
If the flow of Qi is insufficient, unbalanced or interrupted, illness may occur.
This flow can be disturbed by a number of conditions; these might include emotional factors, physical causes, such as poor posture or trauma, dietary problems, infectious disease, or climate and weather conditions. Qi travels throughout the body along "meridians", or channels. Needles are inserted into points on these channels in order to correct the flow of Qi and promote the body's own healing response. After a diagnosis has been made, the acupuncturist chooses points dictated by the location of the disease, the channels involved in the complaint, and according to individual properties of certain points. Recent research suggests that acupuncture may stimulate the release of pain- relieving hormones/chemicals. It may also affect the functioning of internal organs via the nervous system.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion, is the treatment of disease by applying gentle heat to acupuncture points. Smouldering herbs are held near the needle to create a warm sensation. Acupuncture and moxibustion are considered complimentary forms of treatment and are commonly used together. Moxibustion is particularly effective for ailments such as bronchial asthma, bronchitis, certain types of paralysis, and arthritic disorders.
Cupping
Cupping is another type of treatment. This is a method of stimulating acupuncture points by applying suction using a metal, wooden or glass cup, creating a partial vacuum. This technique stimulates the site by increasing blood circulation. Cupping is used for low backache, sprains, soft-tissue injuries, and helps to relieve fluid from the lungs in chronic bronchitis.
Acupuncture Chinese medicine and Infertility
Any of the problems below may lead to sub-fertility issues.
Endometriosis
Disorders of ovulation
Polycystic ovary synndrome
Tubal blockage
Inflamation of the pelvic organs
Fibroids
Implantation issues
Treatment of the conditions that may lead to sub-fertility is based on the the individual presentation of the patient. There is no standardised treatment of biomedical illness.
Obviously some conditions may require more long term management or may not be suitable to
treatment with acupuncture or herbs.
Patients will be given information on how to monitor their own fertility, and what they can do for themselves to improve their chances of conception.
This may include referral to other practitioners such
as nutritionists or counsellors.
Acupuncture Used to Improve IVF Success
Acupuncture is frequently used to improve conception rates.
According to a German study published by the National Library of Medicine in April of 2002, acupuncture may also increase a
couple's chance of conception when used in conjunction with more contemporary types of infertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). In this study, 160 participants were divided into two groups, each receiving a standard IVF procedure. One of the groups, however, received acupuncture before and after implantation. The standard in-vitro group had a 26.3 percent pregnancy rate, while the acupuncture group showed a 42.5 percent success rate.
Other studies have also showed positive outcomes. Although many studies were performed only on the day of embryo transfer, I would recommend treatment starts as soon as possible.
No definitive answers exist as to how acupuncture may work biomedically. Many believe that it improves blood supply to the uterus, relaxes the womb and regulates hormones.
Acupunture & Herbs For Womens Health
Menstrual Problems
acne
amenorrhea
bloating
breast distention
cramps
mood swings
heavy periods
irregular period
irritability
skipped periods
premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can treat both premenstrual syndrome and painful periods both safely and effectively. The menstrual cycle can be comfortable and regular so that it won't interfere with normal activities. PMS symptoms can begin to disappear quickly with treatment. TCM can also helps with other problems at period time such as headaches and acne.
Menopausal symptoms
dryness
hot flashes
night sweats
poor sleep
For women in menopause, hot flushes and night sweats can be greatly reduced to make this time of transition much more comfortable. Treatment focuses on stopping excessive sweating and restoring restfulness.
Pregnancy
low back pain
morning sickness
postpartum depression and exhaustion
sciatica
constipation
haemorrhoids
During pregnancy many women have found acupuncture beneficial for a variety of problems, such as morning sickness and lower back pain. After childbirth, acupuncture and herbal medicine are very helpful in restoring and replenishing the new mother's energy.
Miscellaneous Women’s Health
endometriosis
fibroids
cystitis
vaginal discharge/thrush/candida
Infertility
Chronic menstrual problems such as fibroids respond well to more long-term care. Acupuncture combined with herbal medicine restrains heavy bleeding associated with fibroids and relieves the pain of endometriosis,