Life is precious Maintaining vibrant health has never been easy, and today's world is no exception. The wonders of modern drug-based medicine are not without limits in their ability to solve complex health issues. Holistic, nature based healthcare methods are being discovered as effective primary and/or supportive healthcare systems in America. Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine have a great history of success in Europe and Asia. Unfortunately, the American community is slow to take advantage of the gentle, generally side-effect free, very affordable offerings of holistic medicine, often suffering needlessly. Granted, it takes time to change deeply held attitudes about something as important and personal as one's health care. Oriental Medicine covers acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, body work, meditation, Qi Gong, and many other therapies. It is a rich body of collected knowledge on healing, extending back at least five thousand years. Today, it continues to evolve as practitioners in the west apply its comprehensive understanding, of the human organism and nature, in our rapidly changing environment. In America, our health care generally holds fast to the idea "don't fix it unless it’s broken." This philosophy works for acute trauma like broken bones, but leaves a lot to be desired in meeting the demands of achieving wellness. Wellness? What's that?
Wellness and prevention Wellness is not simply the absence of disease, but a dynamic state of aliveness where the inner environment of the body-mind is balanced and harmonious: Energy flows smoothly within and between the various organs and systems. The body feels relaxed. Awareness is ever fresh, clear, alert, open, and spontaneous. The individual experiences the full range of healthy emotions and bodily function - without feeling stuck.
Understanding Qi Acupuncture is a complex branch of Oriental Medicine, but its practical principles and methods are easily employed. It is based on the flow of Qi (Chee) energy through the body. Qi is defined as life force, and since the total absence of Qi is death, obviously one’s good health depends on its balanced distribution. Qi influences the organs as well as the bodily systems: skeletal, muscular, endocrine, circulatory, digestive, respiratory, nervous, urinary and reproductive. When Qi flows smoothly and harmoniously each of the bodies systems function correctly. Oriental Medicine, as a holistic therapy, views the whole person. When fertility is the primary concern your practitioner will consider all aspects of you and your lifestyle to determine where imbalances may lie. In addition to receiving regular acupuncture treatment you will be educated in changes you can make to improve your fertility. Your treatment will focus on promoting self healing and inner balance.
Female fertility concerns Oriental Medicine is effective both as primary treatment for infertility and when used in conjunction with ART. However it is suggested that, when available, couples start treatment with Oriental Medicine before beginning assisted reproductive therapies and medications. Acupuncture will help the body be more receptive to fertility medications, produce better quality follicles, increase uterine blood flow, resolve any environmental or emotional stressors and prepare the uterus and body for pregnancy. For couples that have unexplained infertility, acupuncture and herbs are very effective with high success rates. A root imbalance can be detected from a holistic point of view and thereby treated successfully. Acupuncture, together with herbal medicine can help regulate the menstrual cycle, invigorate the sperm and resolve any underlying imbalances which may be affecting fertility. The endocrine system is very delicate and affected by many things. Environmental and emotional stress can create imbalance. Acupuncture can aid in relaxation and rebalancing, which creates an environment where conception occurs more readily. Research has shown that acupuncture directly affects hormone balance and uterine blood flow, enhancing fertility and improving the chances for conception. Acupuncture and herbal medicine offers a safe, cost effective and noninvasive approach to conception and can treat the following conditions:
| Advanced Maternal Age | Luteal Phase Defect |
| Amenorrhea | Male Factor Infertility (except sterility) |
| Anovulation | Polycystic Ovaries |
| Endometriosis | Recurrent Miscarriage |
| High FSH Levels | Tubal Obstruction |
| Hormonal Imbalances | Unexplained Infertility |
| Immunologic Infertility | Uterine Fibroids |
When assisted reproductive therapies (ART) such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or Intra Uterine Injections (IUI) are needed, acupuncture and herbal medicine can help prepare the body to function optimally so that the best possible outcome is achieved. It does this by assisting the ovaries in producing more follicles and eggs raising the chances of conception, and preparing the uterus and body for pregnancy. Also, recent clinical studies conclude that Acupuncture performed in conjunction with an IVF transfer increases the chances of pregnancy by about 50%.
Male fertility concerns An estimated 10% of men are infertile, and the male partner is a factor in up to 50% of infertile couples. In many cases the cause of the infertility is unknown.
Sperm count, quality, motility, morphology, liquefaction and sexual function are all concerns when a couple is trying to conceive. At times the couple will resign to ART procedures to bypass male factor infertility. Acupuncture is effective as primary treatment and when used in conjunction with ART. Recent studies have concluded acupuncture is safe and effective in improving sperm production, motility and structural health (July 05’ Fertility and Sterility). Researcher analyzed sperm samples after a course of treatment and found significant improvement when compared to the control group. Acupuncture was associated with fewer structural defects and an increase in the number of normal sperm in ejaculate. In any case an improvement in sperm quality will create healthier embryos and more successful pregnancy.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture can provide a safe natural alternative to helping men with these disorders. The practitioner makes a diagnosis based on Chinese medical theory, and then determines whether acupuncture or herbal medicine or a combination of both would be the best means of treatment. When you think of erectile dysfunction, acupuncture is usually not the first thing that comes to mind. Many assume it would be a painful alternative to traditional treatments. Quite the contrary, acupuncture is not used locally to treat this particular disorder. Because the energy pathways run all along your entire body, acupuncture points on the extremities, abdomen and back are used to successfully relieve this problem.
Note: Oriental medicine may not be able to treat infertility due to some physical or functional abnormalities. A consultation is recommended.
Additionally The U.N. World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as being effective in treating over 200 commonly encountered clinical disorders including the following:
Musculo-skeletal: joint pain, muscle pain, carpal tunnel syndrome.
Gastro-intestinal: constipation and diarrhea, peptic ulcer, indigestion.
Respiratory: asthma, bronchitis, colds, cough, sinusitis, allergies.
Circulatory: hypertension (high blood pressure), angina, arteriosclerosis, anemia.
Emotional/psychological: depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia.
Neurological: headache, migraine, sciatica, neuropathy, stroke.
Addictions: alcoholism, tobacco and drug addiction, food disorders.
Your first visit When an individual comes to a practitioner of Oriental Medicine for help with health concerns of fertility or otherwise, the doctor bases his diagnosis and treatment upon four modes of investigation: looking, asking, hearing/smelling, and feeling. The initial exam involves a thorough evaluation of the patient. Including; body function, health history, current complaints, recurring factors, congenital or inherited disorders, emotional outlook, and other symptoms. Additionally your practitioner will ask to feel your pulse, palpate your abdomen and/or other body areas, and view your tongue, face and eyes.
Energy Pathways The main treatment in traditional Chinese acupuncture involves the insertion of fine (as thin as a strand of hair), pre-sterilized, single-use needles. These are carefully, and usually painlessly, inserted into the body along the appropriate energy pathways. Other treatment modalities include traditional Chinese massage (tui na), warming herbal treatment, cupping (moxibustion), meditation and visualization, dietary and lifestyle modification, and exercise.
Acupuncture treatment During your treatment you can expect to lie or sit silently once the needles have been inserted. You may be guided to breathe deeply and slowly in a focused manner. This exercise helps to disconnect you from our busy conceptual mind and allows your body to experience deeper levels of relaxation. Awareness shifts from the outer environment to a peaceful inner space. Close your eyes and begin by observing the breath. Let go of thoughts as they rise. Similarly, observe and let go of sounds, and all external sense stimuli. You might experiment by imagining that as you breathe in, energy and healing light flows in through the needles. Observe localized sensations, and whole body sensations. If you feel tension or pain anywhere, gently rest your awareness around its edges. Move slowly towards the center until it can be fully released. Allow the knot to unravel, the tension to melt.
Allowing Healing to Take Root After your treatment, you may feel a sense of spaciousness, clarity, and deep relaxation. You have initiated a change. This is your energetic bookmark for the beginning of a new chapter in your life. If possible, avoid hopping off the treatment table and right back into a busy schedule. You may choose to communicate sensations or emotions observed during your treatment. You may choose to dialogue with your practitioner. Or you may simply observe that they arose and release them without needing any further elaboration. A good practitioner will allow you to choose your own process after the treatment, ready to support you as needed. You will be educated in areas that may benefit you and hasten your improvement. You can expect to learn about: nutrition, how what & when you eat may effect your wellness; herbs and/or supplementation to support your body through change; meditation and imagery for support and refocusing; appropriate exercise and activity levels; and lifestyle counseling.
Medicine for People and Planet The treatment plan is formulated to match the condition of the patient and so each treatment is unique. This is in profound contrast to western medical theory where treatments are first matched to diseases, and not necessarily to people. The approach of Oriental Medicine is to work with and rebalance an individual's healthy energy or Qi. Once balance is allowed to take root the symptom or dysfunction will disappear on its own.
