Endometriosis and Chinese Medicine

Endometriosis occurs as an inflammatory reaction to endometrial cells which end up outside the uterus. It is believed that most women have endometrial cells outside the uterine cavity, yet it is the response to those cells which can prevent pregnancy. When the body perceives endometrial cells as harmful, (inducing pain and inflammation every month,) the immune system sends out cells to 'clean up' the offending tissue. As a result, the body learns that endometrial cells are harmful, and can mount an immune response to keep the body safe from invasion. In addition to the resulting pain and adhesions, the immune system often won't allow any foreign tissue (including embryos) to implant into the endometrium until the reaction is calmed down. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine addresses the underlying cause of endometriosis, allowing the uterine lining to be properly released, and the body's reaction to calm down. It isn't until the endometriosis reaction is calmed down that the body will accept a pregnancy, no matter how it is attempted - naturally, with hormonal intervention, or with IVF. Implantation will not occur until the woman's body allows it. We recommend natural infertility treatment for endometriosis via Traditional Chinese Medicine along with a mind/body program in order to develop life skills which minimize the effects of stress, grief and anxiety associated with infertility and their continued effects against reproductive health.

High FSH and Chinese Medicine

What is High FSH? High FSH can be defined as a day 3 FSH value of over 10 mg/dl. What are the causes of High FSH? The underlying causes of High FSH may include extreme stress, energetic blockages, or lack of ovarian response to pituitary production of FSH. What are the symptoms of High FSH? Typically, symptoms of High FSH may include those of low estrogen (hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness), but sometimes may also be associated with too much estrogen, in which case the liver must be cleared. Restoring communication between the pituitary gland and the ovaries is essential for good quality egg production and the lowering of High FSH.

Treatment for High FSH: Did you know that your eggs have been in a state of rest since before you were born? Until the follicle (which houses the egg) are pulled out of the resting phase within the ovary and cycle into communication with your own blood flow, oxygenation, nutritional and hormonal (including stress hormones) status, they are in the same state as they were when you were born. Protein synthesis occurs during the follicle's GROWTH phase, which begins about 90 days before the egg is ovulated. This is where potential breakdown (and poor egg quality/High FSH issues) occurs. High FSH is often the reason women are told they have no other option other than to use donor eggs and we have helped many women avoid having to do that as their FSH numbers fall (weve also had women conceive and deliver in spite of a High FSH number). To us, High FSH is simply that a number. We are concerned with the underlying deficiencies/imbalances that can be addressed with traditional Chinese medicine (acupuncture and herbs, lifestyle and diet) along with the rest of our mind/body wellness program. Once these issues are corrected, High FSH is typically corrected as well. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine doesn't believe in underlying poor egg quality/High FSH, except as a result of poor reproductive health. This is why women who have previously been told they are too old, poor responders, advanced

maternal age, etc., can become pregnant after their bodies achieve a state of balance, in spite of their being told that they have no options due to High FSH. As we age, our bodies pay less attention to the reproductive system. Our program encourages your body to normalize the hormones, and increase blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, while we reduce the effects of stress on your system therefore increasing egg quality in spite of a diagnosis of infertility because of High FSH.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome? Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects the hormones, the ovaries, and the eggs which are developing within the follicle. What are the possible causes of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome? The underlying causes of PCOS may be hormonal or hereditary. What are the symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome? Symptoms may include irregular periods, late or absent ovulation, excessive facial hair, obesity (though many PCOS patients are thin), light headedness when you havent eaten, skin thickness, and persistent acne. Treatment for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: It is our view that appropriate treatment must consist of regulating the hormones naturally, in order to result in a healthy pregnancy for a patient with PCOS. Because PCOS can result in unhealthy vasculature, lipid levels, and androgenic hormones, if untreated, the health of the mother and her resulting children will be impacted negatively. PCOS can induce late ovulation, failure to ovulate, and if a pregnancy occurs, it will have a much higher chance of ending up in miscarriage. Hence, our treatment protocol for PCOS consists of a regimen of dietary and nutritional guidance, exercises and acupuncture to improve blood flow to the ovaries, and herbal remedies to regulate the hormones and naturally induce a healthy ovulation while also addressing the issues of stress. PCOS can be cured, naturally.

Luteal Phase Defect

What is the Luteal Phase? The luteal phase is the active, proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle after ovulation when the uterine lining should become lush with proteins and glands to provide a nine-month home for a fertilized embryo. What are the possible causes of Luteal Phase Defect? The underlying causes of luteal phase defect can be attributed to stress, pituitary imbalances, energetic blockages, improperly nourished follicles, or lack of blood flow. What is Luteal Phase Defect? When a luteal phase defect occurs, this means that the hormone progesterone isn't produced in adequate amounts, the follicle hasn't developed properly, or the tissue is unresponsive because of stress or other 'environmental' reasons, thus the uterine lining may fail to respond to the body's progesterone output, and won't support a pregnancy. In the case of luteal phase defect, If a lack of progesterone were the only reason for this deficit, the administration of progesterone would cure it. Yet rarely does progesterone alone cure luteal phase defect. The endometrial glands must be able to respond to the progesterone in preparation for a successful pregnancy. Symptoms of Luteal Phase Defect include short menstrual cycles and unusual symptoms during the luteal phase such as bleeding, low back pain, nighttime urination, and loose stools.

Chinese Medicine for luteal phase defect Chinese Medicine assists the body in producing adequate progesterone, and most importantly, in responding to the body's own progesterone production in preparation for a healthy, ongoing pregnancy to resolve luteal phase defect scenarios.

Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) and Chinese Medicine

What is Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)? From the western view, Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) can be defined as a premature shut-down of the reproductive system. What are the symptoms of Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)? Symptoms of POF are typically the absence of a menstrual period, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes. What are the causes of Premature Ovarian Failure? The causes of POF can be multiple, but usually involve a confused immune system, and therefore the immune system must be calmed down for full recovery of POF. Treatment for Premature Ovarian Failure (POF): If you have been diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) or have high FSH, the worst thing you can do is take Clomid or hormonal stimulation. When the reproductive system has shut down prematurely and POF occurs, it must be gently encouraged to return to health, naturally. FSH drugs, and especially Clomid (an anti-estrogen), will turn the switch off for good with POF patients when the body has stopped responding to its own FSH. Our program for POF patients will improve blood flow to the ovaries, lower FSH, and encourage ovulation naturally. I know the diagnosis of POF induces a state of panic, but through years of experience in treating POF naturally, this condition responds beautifully to natural treatment

Uterine Fibroids and Chinese Medicine

Fibroids are abnormal growths in the uterus, which can prevent conception. TCM believes fibroids are caused by obstructions in blood flow, and therefore are alleviated through processes which remove those obstructions. Acupuncture, herbs, acupressure, nutritional supplementation combine to help remove these "excess" barriers to conception. The key to complete resolution, however, is to keep open the channels of communication to the pelvic organs. We recommend natural infertility treatment via Traditional Chinese Medicine along with a mind/body program for Uterine Fibroids in order to develop life skills which minimize the effects of stress, grief and anxiety associated with infertility and their continued effects against reproductive health.

Male Factor Infertility

Male Factor Infertility can result from abnormalities in sperm production including low sperm count, low motility, poor morphology, anti-sperm antibodies, and hypercoagulation / viscosity of the seminal fluid. Chinese medicine has been very effective at helping to resolve all of these male issues. Many studies have been done in China and in the U.S. that show Chinese Medicine and acupuncture improve the sperm count, morphology, motility and help the antisperm antibodies too. See the Medical Research for male Factor infertility.

Chinese medicine treatments include acupuncture, herbs, anti-oxidants and acupressure, which improve the males reproductive capacity.

Acupuncture Significantly Reduces Stress during the Treatment of Infertility & IVF
Stress and infertility Stress and infertility can very often be directly related in a vicious cycle., when diagnosed with infertility, many patients feel helpless and no longer in control of their lives. When patients seek insemination or assisted reproductive treatment, the financial impact can be extremely stressful; some of the hormonal medications can cause mood swings, headaches, fatigue and emotional upsets, which further exacerbate their stress levels; and, when they resort to IVF, it is often their last option and patients are not only under an additional high level of physical stress with injections, blood work, ultrasound, etc., but also highly vulnerable to the possibility that the procedure may fail.

Acupuncture Significantly Reduces Stress during the Treatment of Infertility & IVF
Stress and infertility Stress and infertility can very often be directly related in a vicious cycle., when diagnosed with infertility, many patients feel helpless and no longer in control of their lives. When patients seek insemination or assisted reproductive treatment, the financial impact can be extremely stressful; some of the hormonal medications can cause mood swings, headaches, fatigue and emotional upsets, which further exacerbate their stress levels; and, when they resort to IVF, it is often their last option and patients are not only under an additional high level of physical stress with injections, blood work, ultrasound, etc., but also highly vulnerable to the possibility that the procedure may fail. How stress affects the reproductive system

Stress and other negative emotions indeed disrupt hormonal communication between the brain, the pituitary and the ovary, which causes an imbalance in hormonal function. Such imbalances can lead to irregular or missed menstrual cycles and may cause the fallopian tubes and uterus to contract thereby inhibiting the movement of the egg into the uterus. How acupuncture reduces stress during the treatment of infertility Acupuncture, a holistic method, integrates the body and mind, balances emotional distress, increases relaxation, and helps women with hormonal dysfunction or unexplained infertility. Modern science substantiates that acupuncture affects the autonomic nervous system and activates the parasympathetic nervous system to decrease stress, muscle tension, anxiety and irritability. Acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system and increases the production of endorphins and encephalins, which are naturally occurring chemicals in the body that improve a persons mood and overall feeling of well-being.

Since the nervous system connects the brain directly to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the uterus, acupuncture, acting on the autonomic nervous system, influences the ovarys ability to produce healthy eggs and hormones, relaxes both the fallopian tubes and the uterus, which in turn can aid the movement and implantation of a fertilized egg. Further, acupuncture relaxes the uterus and can promote blood circulation to the uterine tissue, nourish the endometrium, and make the embryo more likely to become implanted, which can support conception and help avoid miscarriage. Use Chinese medicine treating infertility, acupuncturist places a strong emphasis on providing the best possible fertility care addressing both the physical and emotional concerns of her patients. Our approach is to help them not only achieve a successful pregnancy, but also have a natural, joyful, and more relaxed conception experience.

Patterns of Kidney Imbalance

The emotions pertaining to the Kidneys are fear, fright, and shock (adrenal hormones.) Excessive rumination in any of these emotional states can injure the Kidneys. Extremes of these emotions can also cause severe hormonal fluctuations in any endocrine organ, upsetting our reproductive capacity. Fear causes struggle between Yin and Yang, loss of essence, and cuts of the relationship between the Heart and the Kidney. We reestablish good balance between Yin and Yang through reflective thought. Since the Kidneys are the root of all other organs, all chronic diseases will inevitably reach the Kidneys. As well, prolonged Kidney weakness may affect any or all other organs. Most hereditary debility is due to weakness in the Kidney system - poor bone development, mental retardation, etc.

Excessive sexual activity , too much partying, overproduction of ejaculate via intercourse or masturbation, excessive orgasm, or hormonal stimulation all may weaken the Kidney-Essence. Multiple pregnancies, miscarriages, and childbirth deplete the kidney Essence in women. In old age , the Kidney essence declines, and therefore the proper functioning of hearing, skeletal strength, and sexual function decline with age. Again, Qi Gong can delay these functional deficits. The most common cause of Kidney deficiency is overwork, physical and mental. Work stress, mental anxiety, lack of relaxation, lack of sleep, long work hours, hurried, irregular eating schedules, or any excessive cerebral activity without physical release draws upon the essence of the Kidney. We use stimulants to power our brains even more. When we lack sufficient excitement, we often use anti-depressants to rev us up again. They all simply borrow Essence from the Kidneys to stimulate the mind. Through Qi Gong exercises, we can calm the mental activity and bring the focal point down to our center, rather than the cranium. Kidney patterns of imbalance are primarily characterized by deficiency: Not enough basic substance; we've depleted our center, misplaced our core, we feel uprooted. Physically, these patterns of imbalance can be identified by their manifestations, but are seen as a continuum, as they really cannot be fully separated.

Spleen, Digestion & Immunological Systems

The Spleen is a very important organ classification involved in the hormonal cycle. The Western concept of the spleen encompasses its role in the production and destruction of blood and immune cells. In TCM, however, the Spleen system (which includes the pancreas) governs most energetic processes in the body. Since the Spleen takes nutrients and Qi and uses them to produce the Blood, it must be functioning optimally for a healthy menstrual cycle. The Spleen

is responsible not only for overall energy production but also for certain types of hormones such as thyroid hormone, aspects of progesterone production, as well as aspects of the circulatory and immunologic systems. Spleen system pathology is often held liable in thyroid abnormalities, autoimmune processes, allergies, digestive disturbances, and bleeding disorders. Menstrual difficulties can also be caused by Spleen imbalance. The Spleen is in charge of transforming the food we eat into Qi, Blood, and other forms of usable energy, and transporting nutrients to all the other organs. Spleen energy manifests in the gastrointestinal system and also is markedly affected by what we eat. Excessive sugar and refined carbohydrates damage the Spleen, and damp, greasy foods clog up its works. When our Spleen system is strong, we have a lot of physical energy; when it's weak, we feel tired and depleted as well. Because the Spleen is linked with digestion and elimination, the Spleen system is implicated when menstruation is accompanied by loose stools. The Spleen has a causative effect in many presentations of luteal phase defect where spotting precedes menstruation as well. The emotion that is associated with the Spleen system is worry. Excessive use of the mind in thinking, studying, concentrating and memorizing over a long period of time tends to weaken the Spleen. This also includes excessive pensiveness and constant "brooding". The Chinese believe "over-thinking" or "ruminating" can inhibit the optimal functioning of the energetic processes of the Spleen. This explains why excessive worry causes digestive disturbances like stomach ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome-we have so much information that clogs up our minds yet all too often we think far more than we act, producing obstruction or a backup of energy. The inability to make decisions then causes disharmony between the Spleen (thinking), the Heart (spirit) and the Kidneys (will). Exercise is beneficial to the proper functioning of the Spleen energies. The Liver System, Stagnated Qi and Stress The liver is a large, dark red gland in the upper part of the right side of the abdomen, just beneath the diaphragm. Both Western and Eastern medicine agree that the liver's main functions include storage and filtration of blood, and metabolic activities including the metabolism of hormones. But Chinese medicine says that the Liver is also involved in the smooth flow and distribution of Blood. Liver Qi is responsible for all transformations in the body, including ovulation, and for ensuring the smooth flow of emotions and Qi. The Liver channel runs from the inner legs through the external genital region, the uterus, and up to the chest and breasts. The meridian associated with the Liver's paired organ, the Gallbladder, courses from the lower body up the sides of the abdomen and chest, and around the side of the head including the area behind the eyes and the temporal region. The Liver is important in reproduction largely because of its role in menstruation. During the premenstrual period the Liver shifts the Blood flow from other body parts to the Uterus. Right before menstruation, when the Liver is busy directing the body to menstruate, it has a tendency to neglect its other functions of keeping the Qi and emotions flowing smoothly. As a result, the emotions are no longer able to flow freely, and depression, anger, sadness, weepiness, or any combination is experienced. There may be headaches, breast pain, cramps, and a wide variety of other physical and emotional symptoms. Blockage in the Liver system is a most eloquent description of why premenstrual tension and its associated symptoms occur. At this time any Liver obstruction will cause Qi and blood to "back up" or stagnate. If the channels remain blocked, the flow of energy to the Uterus will be impeded, and then the menses are associated with pain and cramping. Liver imbalances that cause energetic obstructions can confine the energy of this important system to a very small space. As the laws of physics tell us, this creates a large amount of heat, and heat rises. Since the associated Gallbladder meridian is higher than the Liver meridian, this pathologic heat ascends up the Gallbladder meridian and can cause premenstrual migraine headaches. (In fact, migraines were once referred to as "the megrims," or bouts of

biliousness, a disease associated with the gallbladder.) When diagnosing patterns that are preventing conception, it is absolutely essential to assess where there are blockages in the Liver and Gallbladder. When the Liver system is not functioning smoothly, the hormonal system is not either. The Uterus itself can become a toxic environment, hostile to implantation. Excess estrogen is not metabolized effectively and can build up, because it is the liver that metabolizes hormones. (It doesn't help that there is a preponderance of synthetic estrogen in our diet, and even in the products we apply to our skin.) Estrogen dominance is implicated in conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and cancer. Most women with these diseases are diagnosed with an element of Liver Qi stagnation. In addition to its function of governing all transformations and discoursing Qi and emotion, the Liver is responsible for Blood conservation (storage). When the Blood (which is Yin) is depleted (through loss of blood, an overactive lifestyle, too much stress, exercise, and lack of rest and self care), the Liver loses its ability to smooth the emotional energy. Even small annoyances may become exaggerated to the level of frustration and anger. This further inhibits Yin/Yang polarity, and blocks the already pent-up emotional energy. The abundance of Yang within the enclosed system may become inflamed with anger, and turn into self-hatred, depression and rage in the extreme. The emotion of anger especially damages the efficiency of the Liver's functions of transformation (ovulation, menstruation) become disturbed. Here again, stress affects our ability to reproduce. Every woman here is at least somewhat affected by Liver Qi stagnation, the most common affect in the emotional basis of Liver Qi is the stagnation of unfulfilled desires. Alcohol consumption damages the energetic function of the Liver. Therefore, women who are diagnosed with an overabundance of stagnant Liver Qi should not consume alcohol when they are trying to get pregnant. According to the five-element theory of TCM, the Liver energies fall under control of the element Wood