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Fertility Today (Continued)

How can TCM treat Hormonal Imbalances? Many hormonal problems are due to slight imbalances in the delicate endocrine system, which may alter a pathway by which the body produces hormones. A slight aberration can throw the entire system off so it no longer functions smoothly. Research has shown that acupuncture influences these hormonal functions, and assists our own internal energies to restore endocrine harmony. Certain methods influence the internal organs, some control the reproductive organs, other effect the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, which is responsible for ovulation and sperm production. They all need to be balanced for optimum function.
Miscarriage; A Traditional Chinese Medicine Viewpoint Used together, acupuncture and personalized herbal formulas, can helped prevent chronic miscarriages in healthy women. Currently Traditional Chinese Medicine, both in China, several European countries and America, is used in conjunction with Western medical techniques and testing to design an effective course of treatment for the couple wishing to achieve pregnancy and deliver a healthy full term baby. Sixty percent of all miscarriages occur in the first half of pregnancy. Genetics play a key role in habitual miscarriage. To presume that TCM alters genetic structure would be a stretch for the imagination. However, TCM is very effective in strengthening a person's constitution. If a woman has miscarried, it is important to build and conserve her energy (Qi) and build her Blood. There is a famous formal that builds both Qi and Blood which is used to strengthen the body and prepare a woman for conception. This is especially useful if she has a history of miscarriage. The formula should be given for three to six months before conception is attempted. It is called "The Rock on Tai Mountain Decoction". This somewhat poetic name refers to a great mountain that many Chinese religiously pilgrimage to, hoping to get their prayers answered. It is an extremely demanding climb of thousands of steps, just as pregnancy is demanding of the modern mother. Just giving this herbal decoction does not guarantee that conception will take place and the next baby will be delivered to full term. Seeing the patient as a whole person and thereby considering their total health picture help determine how to choose and change a formula to be specific to the patient.
"I believe my pregnancy was due in part to acupuncture treatments. Not only did it help me relax but I also could feel a shift in my own physical energy" B.B.	Herbal Fertility Enhancement Acupuncture and herbal medicine has been an enduring and widespread system of healing across the globe. Together they are an effective modality of intervention to aid in the facilitation of conception. Additionally these treatments can be effectively combined with Western techniques. Herbal formulas help regulate the menstrual cycle as well as invigorate sperm in men. Certain herbs contain energetic substances whose essence gently corrects underlying deficiencies or removes obstructions. By way of a thorough diagnosis, your body's individual disharmonies can be analyzed and a prescription designed precisely for you to correct any imbalances can be created. These herbal formulas are based upon your past medical history-from an Eastern and Western perspective, your present symptoms, and your basal body temperature chart results. Each formula can be individualized providing different herbs for various segments of your cycle; some women may need to switch herbal preparations two to four times throughout the month to enhance the effect. Over the counter herbal remedies are not as effective, because they are aimed at a "general population". The whole key to effective treatment is that each individual's particular needs be addressed. Each formula is tailored to meet your body's reproductive requirements. The herbal formula prescribed will be multifaceted. They will contain herbs to strengthen your entire system and improve general health as well as herbs to correct your particular imbalances and herbs directly targeted at improving reproductive function-depending on your individual diagnosis. It is necessary to be consistent with your treatment regimen. If you "forget" to take even a few days' worth, the whole month may be lost.
Book List & Resource Guide The Infertility Cure" Randine Lewis, PhD & L.Ac. *"Taking Charge of Your Fertility"* Toni Weschler, MPH *"Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom"* Christiane Northrup. M.D. *"Birthing from Within"* England Horowitz *"Prevent Miscarriage"* Jonathan Scher, M.D. *"The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth"* Henci Goer *"I Got Pregnant, You Can Too"* Katie Boland *"Getting Pregnant Naturally"* Winifred COnking *"Chinese Medicine and Assisted Reproductive Technology for the Modern Couple"* Roger C. Hirsh, OMD, L.Ac. *"Fertility and Sterility Journal of Medicine"* Issue 77 Number 4 April 2002 *"Acupuncture Today Archives"* www.acupuncturetoday.com *"Reduction of Blood Flow Impedance in the uterine Arteries of Infertile Women with electro-acupuncture"* Elisabet Stenr-Victorin, European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology *"Acupuncture Normalizes Dysfunction of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian Axis"* Bo-Ying Chen M.D. Professor of Neurobiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Department of Neurobiology Shanghi Medical University *"Acupuncture Treatment For Infertile Women Under going Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection"* Sandra l. Emmons, M.D. & Phillip Patton, M.D., Medical Acupuncture, A Journal For Physicians By Physicians "Effects of Electro-Acupuncture on Nerve Growth Factor and Ovarian Morphology in Rats with Experimentally Induced Polycystic Ovaries" Elisabet Stener-Victorin, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecolgy, Goteborg University, Goteborg, Sweden *"Substitution of Acupuncture for HCG in Ovulation Induction"* Cai Xuefen, Obstetrical & Gynecological Hospital, Zhejiang Medical University, Zhejiang, China "Relationship Between Blood Radioimmunoreactive Bet-Endorphin & Hand Skin Temperature During Electro-Acupuncture Induction of Ovulation" Chen Bo Ying M.D. Professor of Neurobiology, Institute of Acupuncture Research *"Influence of Acupuncture on the Pregnancy Rate in Patients who undergo Assisted Reproduction Therapy"* Wolfgang E. Paulus, M.D., Department of Reproductive Medicine, Christian-Lauritzen Institute, Ulm, Germany Special thanks to Randine Lewis PhD & L.Ac., Director of Eastern Harmony Clinic for permission to use written articles.
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