by Almond Wellness Centre | Apr 3, 2018 | Fertility, Pregnancy, Research
Recurrent miscarriage–outcome after supportive care in early pregnancy Liddell HS et al, Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 1991 Nov;31(4):320-2. This study did not use acupuncture or herbs, but it is interested to include it here as a way of managing early pregnancy in women who have had previous miscarriages. There is currently no known prevention therapy for unexplained recurrent miscarriage, but this study showed that emotional support and close supervision helped improve outcomes in subsequent pregnancies. Abstract One hundred and thirty three couples were investigated at a recurrent miscarriage clinic. In their next pregnancy 42 women (Group 1) with unexplained recurrent miscarriage were managed with a programme of formal emotional support and close supervision at an early pregnancy clinic. Two women were seen in 2 pregnancies (44 supervised pregnancies); 86% (38 of 44) of these pregnancies were successful. Four of the 6 miscarriages had an identifiable causal factor. Nine women (Group 2), also with unexplained recurrent miscarriage, acted as a control group. After initial investigation they were reassured and returned to the care of their family practitioner and did not receive formal supportive care in their subsequent pregnancy; 33% (3 of 9) of these pregnancies were successful (p = 0.005; Fishers Exact Test). Whilst acknowledging that there is a significant spontaneous cure rate in this condition, emotional support seems to be important in the prevention of unexplained recurrent miscarriage, giving results as good as any currently accepted...
by Almond Wellness Centre | Apr 3, 2018 | Fertility, IVF acupuncture, Research, Women's health
Effect of Quyu Jiedu Granule (祛瘀解毒颗粒) on Micro environment of Ova in Patients with Endometriosis Lian Fang et al, Zhong Xi Yi He Xue Bao 2009 Feb;15(1):42-46 Chinese Journal of Integrated Medicine A chinese herb formula for endometriosis was given to women with long term infertility and endometriosis before and during an IVF cycle and various ovarian parameters were compared with a group of women with endometriosis who embarked on IVF directly without taking the herbs. The group who took the herbs produced more eggs and had a higher fertilisation rate (although a difference in pregnancy rate was not reported). Additionally the follicles of the women who took the herbs showed a reduced level of inflammatory cytokines compared to the women in the control group. Abstract Objective: To observe the effect of Quyu Jiedu Granules (QJG) on the microenvironment of ova in patients with endometriosis (EM). Methods: Twenty EM patients who received in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) were randomized equally into a treated group and a control group. Further, 20 patients who received IVF-ET due to oviduct factors were enrolled into a non-endometriosis group. The dosage of gonadotrophic hormone used, the number of ova attained, fertilization rate and clinical pregnancy rate were all observed, and the levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in follicular fluid as well as their mRNA expressions in ovarian granular cells were detected by RT-PCR on the very day of ovum attainment. Results: The ova attainment (13.80±6.87) and fertilization rate (0.69±0.31) in the treated group were all higher than the corresponding values in the control group (9.80±5.32 and 0.47±0.22); the...
by Almond Wellness Centre | Apr 3, 2018 | Fertility, IVF acupuncture, Research, Women's health
Clinical Observations on the Treatment of Endometriosis by Combined Acupuncture and Herbs Fu Yu and Xia Tian, Shanghai Jnl Acup Moxa, 2005, Vol 3 Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion This is just one trial of many carried out in China which looks at the clinical effectiveness of treatment of endometriosis with acupuncture and Chinese herbs. The investigators report that symptoms and signs of the disease are treated effectively without side effects. Abstract Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy of combined acupuncture and herbs with danazol for treatment of endometriosis. Methods: Seventy-eight patients were randomly divided into a combined acupuncture and herbs treatment group (40 cases) and a Westerm medicine control group (38 cases). Observation was made of changes in clinical symptoms, signs, serum CA 125, β-EP, PGE 2 and PGF 2α, and adverse reaction to the medicine in the two group. Results: The overall efficacy was similar in the two groups, but the effects on lumbosacral pain, anal downbearing distention, irregular menstruation and infertility were significantly better in the treatment group than in the control group(P < 0.05), and in the treatment group serum CA 125, PGE 2 and PGF 2α were significantly lower and serum β-EP was significanly higher after treatment than before (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Combined use of acupuncture and herbs has a marked effect on endometriosis and the adverse reaction is lower than the control...
by Almond Wellness Centre | Apr 3, 2018 | Fertility, Research, Women's health
Clinical Observation of Chinese Medicine Treatment on Secondary Dysmenorrhoea Associated with Endometriosis Lim CED et al, Aust J Acupunct Chin Med 2009;4(2):12-17. Australian Journal Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Those of us who have experience in treating endometriosis with Chinese medicine are familiar with the benefits it brings patients in terms of reduced pain and possibly increased rates of conception. This pilot study, a collaboration between Guangzhou Medical University in China and RMIT university in Melbourne, is particularly interesting to us since it measured objective parameters such as immune factors (antigens and antibodies) shown to be abnormally raised in patients with endometriosis. A course of treatment with Chinese herbs not only improved pain but significantly reduced the levels of these immune factors. This is one way that Chinese medicine may improve fertility in endometriosis. Abstract Background: Secondary dysmenorrhoea associated with endometriosis affects many women and is the leading cause of work and school absenteeism, with considerable impact on quality of life. This study evaluates the possible role of Chinese medicinal herbs in relieving the menstrual pain associated with endometriosis. Methods: A prospective clinical observational pilot study involving twenty-five patients with endometriosis with Chinese medical diagnosis of stagnation of qi and blood who were recruited at the Guangdong Women’s and Children’s Hospital during the period of January 2004 to December 2006 to participate in a three-month Chinese medicinal herbs study. Results: Sixteen patients reported nil dysmenorrhoea during the treatment period. The mean CA125 at the study entry was 59.67 ±28.32 u/ml, compared to 34.83 ±16.34 u/ml post-treatment. The positive EMAb before the commencement of treatment was noted in 22 of 25...
by Almond Wellness Centre | Apr 3, 2018 | Fertility, Research
ACUPUNCTURE, HERBS AND ENDOMETRIOSIS: Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Endometriosis: A Review of Utilisation and Mechanism Kong S et al, Volume (2014), Article ID 146383, 16 pages Evidence-Based Comp and Altern Med Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine This very thorough review compares results of treatment of endometriosis with acupuncture or herbal therapies and pharmaceutical or surgical approaches. A number of therapies, including using Chinese herbs per rectum, obtained great relief for patients, but without the side effects caused by drugs or surgery. Abstract Endometriosis (EM) is one of the common gynecological conditions causing menstrual and pelvic pain and affects 10%–15% of women of reproductive age. In recent years, the complementary and alternative medical (CAM) treatment for EM has become popular due to the few adverse reactions reported. The CAM therapy for EM includes several different treatments such as herbs (herbal prescription, extract, and patent), acupuncture, microwave physiotherapy, and Chinese herb medicine enema (CHM enema). These CAM therapies are effective at relieving dysmenorrhoea, shrinking adnexal masses, and promoting pregnancy, with less unpleasant side effects when compared to hormonal and surgical treatments. In this review, we focus on the status quo of CAM on EM and try to identify therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms based on some clinical and experimental studies. We hope to provide some instructive suggestions for clinical treatment and experimental research in the...
by Almond Wellness Centre | Apr 3, 2018 | Fertility, IVF acupuncture, Research
Acupuncture Combined with Herbal Medicine Effects on Outcomes of Patients with Endometriosis Who Accepted IVF-ET Yu Xiao-Li et al, Liaoning Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2010 Vol 4 Liaoning Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine This clinical trial carried out in north east China, recruited 180 women diagnosed with endometriosis who were doing a long down regulated IVF protocol. The women who were given acupuncture and chinese herbal medicine achieved significantly higher pregnancy rates than those in the other groups who did not have acupuncture. Abstract (English version) Objective: We investigated the effect of the intervention of acupuncture combined with herbal medicine on outcomes of patients with endometriosis (EM) who accepted in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Methods: 180 cases from patients who took IVF-ET were randomly assigned into three groups,the control group(60 cases),the medicine group(60 cases),and the acupuncture combined with medicine group(60 cases).All the three groups were introduced with gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist(GnRH a) long protocol,and the curative effects were compared between groups. Results: The total effective rate, number of retrieved oocytes, rate of fertilization, implantation rate, and pregnant rate in the acupuncture combined with medicine group were all higher than those in the medicine group, which there were significant statistical differences(P0.05). The scores of the patients who accepted treatment in the two groups had significant difference (P0.05). Conclusion: Treatment of acupuncture combined with herbal medicine has remarkable effect on the patients who took IVF for ET, which is better than the medicine...
by Almond Wellness Centre | Feb 9, 2018 | Acupuncture research, General conditions
针灸治疗哮喘:中医成果登上《Science》子刊封面 上观新闻 原标题：中医成果登上《Science》子刊封面！上海中医药大学发现“针灸治疗哮喘”深层原理，有望制成抗哮喘新药 背部穴位入针，有效治疗哮喘，这一经典名方在分子细胞层面究竟有何机理？ 北京时间2月8日下午，国际著名期刊《科学（Science）·转化医学》最新一期封面文章揭开谜底——前后历经约10年，上海中医药大学杨永清教授带领科研团队，在抗哮喘靶标和针灸效应物质的基础研究中取得重大进展。 他们不仅基于针灸临床率先发现全新的有效靶标 明确了体内一系列蛋白质反应 还找到能够模拟针刺效应的活性小分子 可转化为具有广阔应用前景的“针灸药” 《科学》主审编辑专门为论文成果做了评论 认为这是一篇令人振奋、引发深思的创新力作 解放日报·上观新闻了解到，这是中国中医人第一次在《科学》专业子刊发表拥有自主知识产权的原创性科学工作，也是中国科学家验证的第一个支气管哮喘新靶标。 《科学·转化医学》论文推介。 本次研究的突破点在哪里？ 老中医针灸方子多年来改善支气管哮喘 支气管哮喘是常见呼吸道疾病，目前常规药物疗法主要是皮质激素、β2受体激动剂类药物，这些药物除了本身多种副作用之外，还很容易出现耐药乃至无法缓解症状等问题。甚至美国FDA曾质疑短效和长效β2受体激动剂，认为其可能引起病情加重、增加死亡率。 而中医界，以名老中医邵经明为代表的邵氏中医，70年来运用针刺大椎、风门、肺俞等穴位，显著改善哮喘患者呼吸功能，经验方子得以发展成熟。 杨永清团队验证“针灸改善哮喘”深层原理 但针刺是多靶向的，可激发上百种生化反应。其弟子杨永清教授领衔的研究团队，通过小鼠哮喘模型实验，“锁定”金属硫蛋白-2（MT-2），验证了其蛋白含量上调，对缓解哮喘发病起关键作用。 接着，他们又确认呼吸道中的“双蛋白”绑定关系：上游的MT-2在气管平滑肌细胞上还必须有下游的“作用受体”——肌动蛋白结合蛋白-2（Transgelin-2）。原来，针灸的物理刺激正是引发了这对蛋白的结合，从而舒张气管、平喘止咳。 研究还发现“潜在的抗哮喘新药”，还是针灸药 针灸人并未止步于此。论文第一作者、上海中医大和上海市针灸经络研究所尹磊淼博士告诉解放日报·上观新闻记者，中科院上海药物研究所所长蒋华良早在2003年就和杨永清团队成立“针灸中药效应联合实验室”，他们继续开展合作，利用分子对接、虚拟筛选等技术，将下游蛋白Transgelin-2作为“鱼饵”，从6000个候选化合物中，筛选出了可以特异性地与新靶标结合的分子化合物。 这个针锋相对的小分子，具有“类针刺”的舒张气管平滑肌作用，成为潜在的抗哮喘新药。因此，尹磊淼的“师爷”、杨永清的博导、上海市中医药研究院副院长陈汉平教授表示，新发现的活性小分子，探索出从中医临床到实验室再回到临床的转化医学模式，可谓一剂“针灸药”。上海药物所药物发现与设计中心主任、该文共同作者朱维良教授也认为，此项研究可以称得上中国第一个自主知识产权的靶标和新药发现。 为解决哮喘当前困境开辟了一条新的路径 “正如《科学》杂志评审所言，靶向Transgelin-2受体的治疗为解决哮喘当前困境开辟了一条新的路径。”上海中医大科技实验中心副主任、市针灸所课题负责人王宇，向解放日报·上观新闻记者表示，这一从中医而来的新药发现与开发策略，也是应用当代生物技术阐释中国传统针灸学机制的成功尝试，对保持我国在针灸研究领域的国际领先地位，率先在这一领域取得原创性的自主知识产权具有重要战略意义。事实上，针灸与针灸药并非谁替代谁，而是互为补充，多种理化手段，综合施药用针。...
by Almond Wellness Centre | Oct 28, 2017 | Chiropractic, Pregnancy
Pregnancy and Chiropractic Before, during and after birth Chiropractic care can be started at any time before, during or after your pregnancy. During this time, weight-bearing changes occur and this can cause an added stress to the spine. Chiropractic care during pregnancy can not only help you to stay more comfortable, but can also help to facilitate your birth. Chiropractic care during pregnancy has been shown to significantly reduce the length of time a woman goes through labour. First time mums averaged a 25% shorter labour, while mothers who had already given birth experienced a 39% reduction in the average labour time (compared to controls – Fallon, 1991). Chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy can also reduce the likelihood of experiencing back pain (Diakow, 1991). Regular chiropractic adjustments can safely continue up until the time of birth and thereafter, helping you and your baby achieve a happier and healthier pregnancy and delivery. When women discover that they are pregnant, many become conscious of eating healthier, avoiding alcohol and cigarettes, exercising and getting proper sleep, however, many are unaware of the importance chiropractic care can have in this overall process. 50% of women complain about low back pain during pregnancy, particularly due to ligament laxity and the protruding abdomen. By relieving the discomfort, many women experience a much easier and stress free pregnancy. The many advantages of chiropractic care are not limited to pregnancy, but are especially beneficial during delivery. Patients report that their deliveries while under chiropractic care are faster and more comfortable than during prior pregnancies. Dr. Per Fretag MD, an American Orthopaedist, conducted a hospital study that incorporated chiropractic...
by Almond Wellness Centre | Jul 1, 2015 | Health Newsletter
Getting Exercise in the Winter It’s cold and dark outside. You come home with the kids and all you want to do is snuggle on the couch. Snuggling in winter may be fun (and I’m not going to say you shouldn’t snuggle) but your kids need something more. In fact, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), kids need at least 1 hour of physical activity—every day. And depending on your children’s school program and sports activities, they may not even get close. There are many benefits. Exercise helps kids feel less stressed, have higher self-esteem, focus at school, sleep better and maintain a healthy weight. You’ve probably noticed that parenting children who get enough exercise is also easier than parenting those who don’t. Winter is a time for yin activities. It’s healthy to be introspective and quiet. However, children need physical activity—even in the winter. But on a cold, dark day, how do you get your kids to exercise? Indoor Exercise The first strategy is to get physical activity at home. Walk the dog or shovel the snow. Race around the house. Go outside and play snowball basketball. Young children may enjoy creative home exercise. Try playing “rock, paper, scissors” with your legs. Do sun salutations together. See who can walk upstairs backward the fastest. When you spend time at home, keep moving. Take breaks every hour and do jumping jacks. Play exercise workout games, like Dance Dance Revolution. Do push-ups, sit-ups and squats. Use commercial breaks to challenge each other to a dance contest. Even jump-roping in the basement is a good exercise option. Outdoor Exercise...
by Almond Wellness Centre | Jul 1, 2015 | General conditions, Health Newsletter
Yoga, Yoga Everywhere There are over 40 different styles of yoga taught in the United States. All of the types of yoga overlap and have a common goal – the union of mind, body and spirit. Each style of yoga is distinguished by particular practices. Some types of yoga are quite physical, building strength and flexibility, while others are restorative and meditative. Below is a short list of a few styles of yoga. Which one is right for you? Ashtanga yoga – Developed in 1937 by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. This style of yoga focuses upon building strength and heat in the body. It provides a fast-paced, and sometimes intense, workout through a series of challenging poses that are taught in a sequential order. Bikram yoga – Be prepared to sweat. Bikram is performed in a room heated to about 100 degrees. This yoga consists of 26 poses that are repeated twice in the same order. The intense workout warms the body and muscles and increases flexibility. Bring plenty of water, a towel and possibly a change of clothes. Iyengar Yoga – B.K.S. Iyengar developed this style of yoga in 1937. It is focused upon the correct alignment of the body in all poses which may be held for up to five minutes or more, in order to correct alignment and posture. Iyengar will build, strength, endurance and flexibility. The classes may also use props, such as, straps, blocks and blankets to get the body into the perfect pose. Kundalini yoga – This ancient style of yoga has been practiced in India for centuries. It came to the...
