03 93789479 [email protected]

Natural Ways to Decrease Oestrogen and Increase Progesterone

Author:Dr. Richard Zeng (Chinese medicine)

Natural Ways to Decrease Oestrogen

women's health

Eat cruciferous vegetables

  • broccoli is the star but eating plenty of green vegetables of the cruciferous family help the liver metabolise oestrogen.
  • Other cruciferous vegetables include: Bok-Choy, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, Daikon radish, Horseradish, Kale, Radish, Turnip and Watercress.

Eat high fibre foods to help oestrogen bind in the bowel and assist elimination.

  • One source suggests that eating 1/2 cup of raw grated carrots can be enough fibre to assist in elimination

Decrease alcohol consumption

  • Assist the liver by drinking St Mary’s Thistle and Dandelion tea

Avoid soy

Eat a no sugar and no gluten diet

  • sugar and gluten are both highly inflammatory in susceptible people so should be avoided when possible

Be mindful of too many vitamins, supplements, medications and even caffeine that all need to be processed by the liver, where possible space them out through the day.

Chinese herbal medicine

Some Chinese herbal medicine /formula may help assist in balance your hormone. You may contact us for details.

 

Natural Ways to Increase Progesterone

Reduce stress

  • google progesterone steal if you are more interested in how stress affects progesterone levels

Supplements:

  • 750 mg vitamin C per day (increased progesterone 77% and improved fertility)
  • 600 mg vitamin E (increased progesterone in 67% of patients)
  • 6 g L-arginine (increased progesterone in 71% of patients)

Increasing beta carotene in your diet, as found in:

  • Apricots, Asparagus, Broccoli, Carrots, Chinese cabbage, Chives, Dandelion leaves, Grapefruit, Herbs and spices – chilli powder, oregano, paprika, parsley, Kale, Onions, Peas, Peppers, Plums, Pumpkin, Spinach, Squash, Sweet potatoes. So again, get onto those carrots!

Supplementing with

  • Vitex Agnus Castus 1000mg daily
  • Black Cohosh or as we call it in Chinese Medicine ‘Sheng ma’ on days 1 to 12 (increases progesterone and fertility).

Weight loss

Improving insulin sensitivity (for example metformin increases progesterone levels 246%, chromium supplementation can help in regulating blood sugar in combination with a low sugar and low carbohydrate diet)

  • Replacing saturated fat in the diet with unsaturated fat
  • Eating a high protein, low carbohydrate diet
  • Lowering TSH levels in subclinical hypothyroidism

Chinese herbal medicine

Some Chinese herbal medicine /formula may help assist in balance your hormone. Contact us for details.

Covid-19 Infection Control and Prevention Protocol

stop covid virus

Dear patient,

In order to ensure that you remain safe while visiting our clinics, we’ve implemented the appropriate measures in our clinics.

Here is our updated Infection Control and Prevention Protocol.

We’ve committed to make sure that you are safe.

Infection control and prevention protocol

All our staffs will:

  • Self check temperature on arrival of clinic;
  • Wear mask and gloves at all time;
  • Wash hands thoroughly after servicing each patient.

All patients:

Screen when making appointment

  • We will make sure that you are not returned from overseas in the last 14 days, or are suffering from cold or flu symptoms or been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 symptoms.
  • We will reschedule patients who are currently unwell or have been in contact with someone who has the virus.
  • Telehealth phone or video consultation is open if you are unable to attend our clinics. Chinese herbal medicine can be dropped in your car while you are waiting. We can also post herbs to your address as your choice.

Screen on arrival of clinic

  • Check your temperature;
  • You will be offered a mask to wear;
  • Hand sanitiser station for anyone attending the clinic. It is important that you wash hands thoroughly during your visit.

Clean – hourly cleaning of all public areas including:

Reception desk/herbal room:

  • Computer keyboard/mouse/hicaps/ftpos machine, and herbal room desk tables

Waiting room:

  • Mop floor at least 2 times per day
  • Toilet – spay wipe with disinfectant every one hour and after each usage
  • Clinic door handles, waiting room chairs – spray clean after each patient’s visit

Treatment/consultation Room:

  • Single used disposable cover sheets are used in all treatment;
  • Chairs/ desk/ treatment bed/table: spray clean with disinfectant after each visit;
  • Towel: all cover towels are washed and put in the cabinet – not left on treatment tables;
  • Gowns: wash after each visit and put inside the cabinet;
  • Face hole cover /paper cover: single sued disposable cover sheet. Change and spray clean the face hole after each patient;
  • Suction cups: wash and spray wipe with alcohol sanitiser after each using

Social distance

Ensure adequate social distancing by:

  • Spacing out chairs in waiting room and
  • Staggering appointment times. Allow adequate time for cleaning as well as appropriate social distancing.

 

Be well and stay safe!

Yours for better health

Dr. Richard Zeng & team at

Almond Wellness Centre

Nutrients for Female Fertility Pregnancy Breast Feeding and Beyond

Healthy food for fertilityIron

Iron plays a crucial role in fetal development. It supporting blood, brain, and bone formation, as well as overall growth. It’s also vital for a healthy immune system and fertility. Low iron levels can lead to anovulation, hindering fertility. In a Harvard University study of 18,500 women, those supplementing iron were 40% less likely to have fertility problems.

During pregnancy, iron requirements increase due to greater blood volume. It’s essential to boost iron intake in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters as the fetus relies on maternal iron stores. Deficiency raises the risk of anemia, preterm delivery, and low birth weight.

Women with low iron are advised to supplement 10-20mcg daily. Liquid supplements are gentler on the stomach. Organic iron supplements are preferable as they’re better absorbed. Vitamin C aids iron absorption.

Natural sources of iron

Natural sources include green leafy vegetables, dried beans, black strap molasses, lean meat (organic/chemical free), dried apricots, almonds, egg yolk, seaweed, wheat germ, parsley, pumpkin, sesame and sunflower seeds.

Folic acid (B9) and B vitamins

Folic acid (B9) and B vitamins are essential for DNA formation, crucial for preconception and early pregnancy. Supplementation is recommended, especially for women on birth control pills. Deficiency can lead to infertility and birth defects.

Natural sources of B9

Natural sources include dark green leafy vegetables, i.e., uncooked spinach, kale, beet greens; asparagus, broccoli, corn, lima beans, parsnip, mung beans, soy beans; wheat germ; oranges, pineapple, banana. It’s best to consume these foods fresh and raw to preserve B9, as it’s heat-sensitive.

Vitamin D – The sunshine vitamin

Vitamin D, known as the sunshine vitamin, is crucial for fertility. Testing vitamin D levels is recommended, as deficiency is common, affecting 23-49% of Australians. Supplements are advised for levels under 50.

Omega 3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for hormonal balance, ovulation, and fetal development, supporting both fertility and healthy pregnancies. In a study, couples receiving 1000mg of omega-3 had a fertilization rate of 76.5%, significantly higher than the 50.4% rate in those without omega-3.

During pregnancy, a deficiency in DHA, a type of omega-3, may lead to various complications, including premature birth, low birth weight, chromosomal defects, spontaneous abortion, hyperactivity, and childhood asthma. We recommend 500-1000mg of DHA daily to support a healthy pregnancy.

Natural Sources of Opmega 3

Natural Sources include deep sea ocean/cold water fish (ie. salmon, cod, herring, trout), mono-unsaturated cold-pressed oils (flaxseed especially, walnuts, hemp and chia seeds.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E supports conception, regulates estrogen levels, and aids circulation. Deficiency can lead to complications like spontaneous abortion.

Natural Sources

Sources include sunflower seeds, almonds, organic cold-pressed wheat germ oil, cold-pressed vegetable, seed and nut oils. Best not heated or cooked, i.e., use in salad dressing.

Protein/Amino Acids

Vital for the number and quality of the ovum (eggs) produced the fertilisation process, and the early development of the embryo.

Natural sources

include deep sea fish, tofu, legumes ie. lentils, soy beans, kidney beans, eggs (free range), lean organic chemical-free meat and poultry, nuts and seeds, sprouted grains.

Calcium

Calcium is essential for fetal bone development, nerve function, and muscle tone. Deficiency can lead to complications like hypertension and bone loss.

Natural Sources

Natural sources include leafy greens, nuts, and seeds.

Dairy foods are another source of calcium; however, since they are not as easily absorbed, it is best to vary your sources of calcium as widely as possible.

Royal jelly

Royal jelly is rich in amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, beneficial for hormone balance and reproductive health. Some evidence exists that royal jelly might also:

  • Improve egg and sperm health
  • Increase libido
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Support the immune system
  • Decrease signs of aging
  • Helps women with irregular cycles

PLEASE DO NOT TAKE IF ASTHMATIC OR ALLERGIES TO BEE’S

Co Q10

CoQ10 supports energy production and cellular health. Supplementation may enhance egg quality and IVF success rates.

Managing PCOS

Chromium and magnesium supplementation, along with a low-GI diet, can help manage PCOS symptoms and improve glycemic control.

Women’s 7-Year Life Cycle

Author: Dr. Richard Zeng (Chinese medicine)

“Women seven and men eight” is the Chinese statement on the growth cycle of human being from the “Yellow Emperor’s Canon of Internal Medicine“- The “Bible” of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

That is, the number of women’s life cycle is seven and the number of men’s life cycle is eight. Every seven or eight years, women or men’s life change.The 7 year life cycle is so obvious for woman, and her fertility status changes every seven years too.

The physical change of women occurs obviously every seven years; and men’s change occurs every eight years. – “Yellow Emperor’s Canon of Internal Medicine”

7 year old:

A moman’s kidney energy growing strong, teeth change and hair grows longer and stronger. (the 1st 7 years).

Kidney is a special term in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It not only has the function of controlling the urinary system, but also has a very important role – control the developing, growing, and reproduction. In terms of reproduction, you can think Kidney as a “Small Kidney”- the ovaries or testis.

At the age of 7, a woman’s reproductive system start to develop.

14 year old:

Her menstruation appears as the Ren meridian (the sea of Yin/Essence) flows and the Qi and blood in the Chong meridian (the sea of blood) becomes prosperous, she can have a child. (2nd 7 years)

At the age of 14, her menstruation appears and she is able to have a child. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the age of menarche is one important factor to help make diagnosis. If menarche is later than 14 year old, often indicate lower fertility energy.

21 year old:

Her kidney energy is balanced, her adult teeth completely developed and her body grows to full height. (3rd 7 years)

A woman’s energy especially fertility energy is full at the age of 21.

28 years old:

Her bones and muscles are strong, her hair grow to full length, her body is at optimal condition. (4th 7 years)

From the age 21 to 28, a women’s fertility energy reach the peak. This is the best time in her life to have children.

35 year old:

Her peak condition declines gradually. Her energy in Yangming meridian declines. Her face starts wither and her hair starts to fall. (5th 7 years)

From 35 year old, she start to have wrinkles on the face, and her general energy and fertility start to decline. She still able to have children.

42 year old:

Sanyang energy declines. Her face wanes and she starts to have white hair. (6th 7 years)

From the age of 42, her physical energy and fertility energy declines and difficult to conceive.

49 year old:

The Ren meridian (Conception Vessel) and Chong meridian vital energy declines, her menstruation dried up, her physique turns old and feeble; She is no longer to conceive. (7th 7 years)

From the 7-year-life cycle, we can see that the good age for a woman to have children is from 21 to 35. And the best age is around 28 year old.

The 7-year life cycle provides a framework for understanding the various phases and developmental milestones in a woman’s life. Each stage presents unique challenges, opportunities, and transitions. By recognising and embracing the changes that accompany each phase, women can navigate their life journeys with self-awareness, resilience, and a focus on their overall well-being.

Additionally, by understanding the women’s 7-year life cycle and following the guidelines for women’s health and natural fertility treatment, women can make informed decisions, maintain their overall health, and address specific needs related to fertility at each stage.

More to read

Menstrual cycle and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Can you have period without ovulating?

Having two periods in one month? You may just have ovulation bleeding 一个月来两次月经?你也许只是排卵期出血

新冠病毒-来自墨尔本杏林中医曾医生的建议

亲爱的朋友们,随着新冠病毒在澳洲的传播,人们变得越来越紧张,我们也看到人们在购物中心恐慌性购买食品和生活用品,很多商品已经很难买到了。在这样一个特殊时期,我想和大家分享一些怎样预防新冠病毒的方法和措施。

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首先,请大家认识到任何病毒感染都是机会性感染。

所谓机会性感染就是当你免疫力低下时,病毒这样的机会主义者就有了可趁之机而感染你。而如果你免疫力足够强大,你感染的机会就会相对较小,即使已经感染,发展成重症的概率也会相对较低。正如黄帝内经所说:

“正气存内,邪不可干”

因此重要的事就是保证:不给病毒任何机会。这包括两个方面:

第一,增强自身免疫力;

第二,避免和病毒接触。

下面介绍一些增强免疫力的方法:

  1. 保证充足的睡眠,不熬夜。足够的睡眠是修复身体最好的良药。
  2. 注意保暖,避免受凉。
  3. 健康饮食,多吃五谷杂粮和蔬菜,少吃辛辣刺激和生冷食物。
  4. 忌烟酒。有数据表明吸烟者感染新冠和发展成重症的比例明显高于非吸烟者。如果你抽烟,现在是戒烟最好的时机。
  5. 多晒太阳。阳光是大自然最好的消毒剂有证据表明日光中的紫外线对细菌和病毒都有杀灭作用。适当的日光浴可以杀死病毒,另外还可帮助补充维生素D促进钙的吸收,提高免疫力。墨尔本的秋天乃一年中最好的季节,阳光充足,秋高气爽。大家当可尽情享受。
  6. 适量规律运动。建议中等强度的运动,比如快走,慢跑,轻中度力量训练。

值得注意的地方是:运动完之后如果有出汗最好立刻洗热水澡或者至少更换干燥的衣服。

为什么呢?因为运动之后身体暂时会变得易受攻击:

首先,你的身体多少已有疲劳;

其次,停止运动后体内温度仍然较高,但出汗后衣服潮湿,体表温度降低,身体抵抗力缺暂性低下,而易致风寒邪气的袭击。

运动过后及时洗个热水澡或者至少更换干爽的衣服可减少病毒攻击的机会。

       

除了提高免疫力,我们也要避免接触病毒。正如皇帝内经所言:

“虚邪贼风,避之有时”

避免接触病毒的方法主要有:

  1. 勤洗手;
  2. 戴口罩;
  3. 避免用手接触面部五官眼睛口鼻等;
  4. 保持一定的社交距离避免去往人多的地方,避免近距离接触;
  5. 保持家里和办公室通风;
  6. 中药。

我最近读到了很多关于中药防治疗新型冠状病毒的报道。这些报道提到中药不仅能起到预防作用,同时也可以减轻患者症状,避免疾病发展成重症。有报道武汉的一些方仓医院给几乎所有轻中型感染冠状病毒的患者都服用中药汤剂,而没有一例发展成重症。

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我在武汉的很多同学朋友都亲身参与了对新冠肺炎患者的救治工作。以前所在单位武汉市中医医院的一些同事和朋友也参与了雷神山医院中医诊疗工作。最近和他们作了很多详细的交流和讨论。他们给我提供了很多临床一线的一手资料和宝贵经验,包括预防、诊治方法和药方。

在这个特殊时期,我们诊所特别开通了中医远程诊治模式,如果您和您的家人有任何症状或不适,请与我们联系。我们可以通过电话或视频问诊为您准备适合您的中药,您可以来诊所自取或者我们帮您邮寄到家。

详情请致电杏林中医诊所:03 88021519

祝身体健康,平安幸福。

杏林中医曾医生

Patient letter – Coronavirus disease COVID-19

Dear friends and patients,

We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.

Our acupuncture and chiropractic clinic are remaining open at the moment.

As always,

Safety is our first priority

We have committed:

High standard infection control to be practiced in our clinics.

• Masks offered to all and to use when you entering our clinics;
• Hand sanitizers for all to use.
• Single used disposable cover sheets are used in all treatment rooms and tables.
• Hourly cleaning of all public areas.

For any respiratory conditions, please DO NOT come to visit us in the clinic. We are offering phone/video consultation and herbal prescriptions.

Herbs can will be collected by your friends or family, or will be dropped in your car while you are waiting in the car park.

Before your visit:

If you or a close contact have any of the below:
• cough, fever, sore throat or runny nose
• returned from overseas in the past 14 days
• any contact with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days,

Please call us so we can reschedule your appointment.

We are offering phone/video consultation and herbal prescriptions for fertility and other general conditions.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, as this is the best way to stop transmission of this virus.

During your visit:

• If you arrive early for your appointment, please consider remaining in your car until much closer to your appointment time.
• To reduce the numbers in our waiting areas, please don’t bring other children/family members into our clinic.

• Use the masks provided, and please use hand sanitizer/alcohol sprays upon arrival.

• If you need to sneeze or cough, please cover your mouth and nose with tissues or your upper sleeve or elbow. Please dispose of the tissue in the bins provided. Wash or sanitize your hands afterwards immediately.

• Please wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilets.

After your visit:

If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and may have been infected around the time of your visit, please inform us.

Your confidentially will be protected.

We are reviewing these steps regularly in conjunction with current advice from the Australian Government and Public Health authorities. We are committed to the safety and well-being of all our patients, their families and our staff. We thank you for your kind understanding and help to keep everyone safe.

Take care and be safe. Let’s get through this together.

Yours for better health

Dr. Richard Zeng (D.CM)

How to Avoid Virus – Dr. Richard Zeng’s Advices

Dear friends and patients,

The Coronarivus has been spreading in Australia. There are increasing information about the coronavirus from the media and social media. People are becoming more anxious about the virus – we see panic buying of toilet paper and other stuffs from the supermarket.

Here are a few things that I would like to share with you about the virus and tips to avoid COVID 19 infection at this special period of time.

First please remember – virus are opportunists.

Opportunistic infections happen when your immune systems are weak. If your immune systems are strong, you have less change of being infected, or have less severe symptoms if you are infected.

As the Bible of Chinese medicine – Yellow Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic Says:

正气存内,邪不可干 – When there is sufficient healthy qi inside, pathogenic factors have no way to invade the body

Therefore the most important thing is:

Don’t give virus any opportunity!

That includes two measures:

Firstly, keep your immune system strong

Secondly, avoid the virus

Here are a few tips for a healthy immune systems

Stay calm and have less stress – constant worry or persistent high stress blocks your energy flow and reduce your immune system.

Be mindful to have necessary and enough rest when you are tired – Do Not overstrain or overwork, especially when we are in a COVID pandemic.

Have enough sleep – Go to bed early if you can. Our body repairs, recovers and recreates energy during sleep, so does our immune system.

Keep warm – avoid get cold by wearing enough clothes.

Eat a healthy diet – Less drinking alcohol and have enough water

No smoking – smoker’s lung function have already been compromised. Evidence showed smokers have higher rate to become severe cases once they have contract Covid-19. It is time to quit smoking now.

Lots of sunlight – Sunlight is the nature’s greatest disinfectant because the ultraviolet light inactivates bacteria and viruses. Researchers found a certain spectrum of ultraviolet light — far-UVC easily kills airborne flu viruses while posing no risk to people.

Sunlight will also improve your vitamin D which is important to your immune system.

Now in Melbourne is Autumn – the most beautiful season and full of sunlight. So Let’s get outdoor and enjoy the sunshine.

Moderate exercises – Exercises contribute to general good health and boost your immune system. I suggest moderate intensity exercises such as power walking, jogging, light weight training, yoga, Taichi.

Important: Remember to take a shower straight away after your exercises if you sweat during exercises. Or at least change into dry clothes.

Why is that?

Although exercises improve your immune system, your body is temporarily vulnerable after exercise, especially if after perspiration:
– You are tired after exercises.
– Your core temperate is high however your body surface temperature is low from sweating because your clothes are still wet.

Taking a shower and change into dry clothes give you less opportunity for virus to attack you.

AVOID virus

虚邪贼风 避之有时

For evil pathogens, avoid at times – Yellow Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic

Wash your hands
Viruses bind with grease. Washing your hands with soap kills virus.
Hand sanitiser with 70~75% alcohol kills virus too.
If you can’t buy sanitiser you can make your own at home – buy the 95% methylated spirit and dilute into 70~75%.

Avoid touch you face, mouth, eyes and nose

Avoid close contact with people who are sick

Ventilate your home and office – Poor ventilation traps virus. Increase ventilation by opening windows and room doors.

Chinese herbal medicine

I recently read articles in Chinese regarding Chinese herbal medicine treatment that seems to have the ability to reduce symptoms of coronavirus.

I’ve also read news that almost everyone is taking Chinese herbal medicine decoctions for those who have been isolated in the Fang-Chang hospitals (mobile cabin hospitals) with mild to moderate symptoms. It has reported that none of those patients turned into severe cases with herbal medicine.

20 years ago I worked at Wuhan Chinese Medicine Hospital. One of ex colleague, Dr. Lv have recently participated in treating patients at one of the mobile cabin hospitals. I had a few chats with him. He shared a lot of information about both WM and TCM diagnosis and treatment for Covid-19. He also shared some Chinese medicine formulas that they’ve used to prevent and treat the disease at those hospitals.

I am studying these herbal-medicine-formulas and will be prepared to engage in ‘telehealth’ sessions with anyone should you experience any symptoms.

If anyone of you, or your family members have any concern or experience any symptoms, please let us know by call 03 8802 1519.

Via the phone or video consultation I may be able to prepare the proper herbs for you to pick up or post to your address.

Be well and stay safe!

Yours for better health

Dr. Richard Zeng (Dr. TCM)

新型冠状病毒 – 重要通告

就诊建议和忠告

如果您:

  • 在14天内到过COVID-19疫情风险较高国家或地区;
  • 或在14天内出现最后一次接触确诊病例;

您需要在14天潜伏期过后才来我们诊所看病。

 

而如果您已经有发烧、咳嗽、喉咙痛、疲劳或气短等症状

请暂时不要来我们诊所,而是先预约您的GP或本地医院急诊科就诊,进行紧急评估。

请浏览 www.health.gov.au/covid19-travellers 了解当前中高度疫情风险国家列表。

 

在去诊所或医院之前,应先打电话

告知您曾到过的地方,或者自己可能接触过冠状病毒疑似病例。必须在家中或医疗机构中保持隔离,直到公共卫生机构通知您可以安全如常地活动。

认为自己可能与冠状病毒确诊病例有过密切接触的人士也应该监测自己的健康状况,并寻求紧急医疗救助。

For more information please call 1800 675 398