Acupuncture & Fertility

The treatment of infertility with acupuncture and Chinese medicine dates back 2,000 years. These ancient, time-tested techniques improve fertility rates and support a woman's whole body, unlocking unlimited potential for health, healing and childbearing.

A landmark study published in the medical journal Fertility & Sterilityfound that acupuncture dramatically improves the chances of becoming pregnant when used in conjunction with other assisted reproductive techniques. Researchers from Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York reviewed studies and concluded that acupuncture helps to:

- increase blood flow to the uterus, which improves the chances of an ovum implanting on the uterine wall

- reduce anxiety, stress, and the hormones that are secreted during stressful situation that can significantly decrease fertility

- normalize hormone and endocrine systems that regulate ovulation, especially in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

- positively affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which plays a key role in fertility

- regulate menstrual cycle

In a study published in Human Reproduction Journal, an ultrasound was used to evaluate blood flow to the uterus during acupuncture treatments. The study found blood flow increases during treatment. According to Dr. Nancy Snyderman, "When acupuncture needles are placed correctly, it can affect the nervous system. The idea is that if you stimulate the nervous system, you can make the uterus quiet and allow blood flow." Relaxing the uterus and increasing blood flow allows for the successful implant of an embryo within the uterine lining.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can raise the fertility potential for women by affecting the quality, quantity, balance and flow of Qi and blood. When Qi (also called life energy) and blood are circulating freely throughout the body, every cell, tissue and organ is properly nourished and functioning well. When this occurs, a woman's health and fertility are increased.

According to the theories of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, infertility is caused by an imbalance of Qi and blood affecting one or more of the Organ Systems. (please keep in mind that the Organs described below reflect Eastern medical theories and philosophies)

Kidney Organ System - The release of an ovum is controlled by the Kidneys. The Kidneys also create a substance called Jing Qi, which is required in order to have a healthy body, mind, and pregnancy. If an imbalance exists within the Kidneys, Jing Qi may be inadequate in supply and infertility may be a result. Chinese herbal medicine, along with acupuncture, can nourish and support Jing Qi and overall Kidney health.

Spleen Organ System - An adequate supply of blood is required by a woman's body to sustain anormal menstrual cycle, a growing fetus and a healthy pregnancy. A disharmony within the Spleen can result in an inadequate supply and imbalance of blood. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can build and nourish blood, in order to promote a healthy flow of blood to the uterus.

Liver Organ System - In order to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy, it is important to have free flow of Qi and blood throughout the body. When it is out of balance, areas of the body will not receive the required supply of Qi and blood. This imbalance can lead to depression, anxiety, stress and anger, and increase infertility.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine provide a safe, effective, and drug-free, and natural approach to treating infertility and enjoying a healthy pregnancy. Here are a few reasons to try acupuncture and Chinese Medicine:

1. An acupuncturist does not treat just symptoms and signs, but instead activates the body's natural healing potential by treating the root causes that have lead to the problem or disease.

2. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are completely natural. No drugs are ever used. In the Western treatment of infertility, undesired side effects and accumulated toxicity from invasive procedures and drugs therapies may occur.

3. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be used to strengthen, support, and balance overall health and well-being, so other fertility procedures are more effective.

4. The practice of acupuncture and Chinese medicine is over 3,000 years old, and has helped millions of people become well and stay healthy.

5. It works!

Also consider acupuncture during your pregnancy and birth. According to the World Health Organization, acupuncture has been found useful for relieving labor pain, nausea, vomiting, and significantly reducing the duration of labor. There is also strong evidence that acupuncture can help with a breech birth.

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1. Paulus W, et.al., Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertility and Sterility, vol. 77, April 2002, 721-724
2. 5 Ways Acupuncture Can Boost Fertility. Prevention.com, 2002
3. Human Reproduction Journal, Vol. 11, No. 6 1996
4. Fertility and Sterility, Vol. 78, December 2002, 1149-1153
5. Pins & Needles. Could acupuncture help promote pregnancy? ABCNews.com, April 16, 2002
6. Acupuncture: Review and analysis of reports on controlled clinical trials, World Health Organization, Geneva, 2002
7. A manual of acupuncture. Page 326. Peter Deadman & Mazin Al-Khafaji

Treating Depression with Acupuncture

Depression can be debilitating for those who experience it. Prolonged feeling of sadness, discouragement and hopelessness greatly affect the quality of life.

At one time or another, most of us have experienced some form of depression. It's a healthy response to events in our lives that seem overwhelming. When we are balanced, physically and emotionally, we can easily bounce back from a depressed state and move on with our lives. But, when negative feelings and emotions become persistent and consistent, depression may set in.

Today, more than 28 million Americans are taking antidepressant and anti-anxiety drugs.* In 1998, doctors wrote more than 130 million prescriptions for antidepressants. According to the Physicians' Desk Reference, the top antidepressant drugs only address signs and symptoms associated with depression, and cause a variety of side effects, including insomnia, anxiety, listlessness, fatigue, body rash, tremors, facial tics, diarrhea, loss of appetite and sexual dysfunction. Depression alone is stressful enough on the body - and while medications may provide temporary relief, they can further compromise our health.

How Can Acupuncture Help?

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine incorporate thousands of years of experience in treating depression. Not only can they help to alleviate the signs and symptoms accompanying depression, they can address the root causes and underlying imbalances that have contributed to the problem, safely and naturally.

Acupuncturists are aware of the powerful interplay between our body and emotions-the two are inseparable. When we experience emotional upset, our internal environment becomes disrupted. Likewise, when we experience physical problems, our emotions can become greatly affected.

Over time, this disruption leads to what an acupuncturist calls "stagnant or depressed Qi." This diagnosis is unique to acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Eventually, it can cause a disharmony within our body, affecting our physical and emotional well-being. If not properly treated, this imbalance may lead to depression.

What will an Acupuncturist do?

An acupuncturist will take a complete health history in order to find out where, why, and how Qi has stagnated or depressed. They will develop a unique treatment plan tailored to specific symptoms and signs of each individual.

The goals of such a plan will be to activate the movement of Qi throughout the entire body, as well as to address the root causes and underlying imbalances. By treating the body as a whole and unique organism, acupuncture care can support recovery from illness and disease toward health and wholeness.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine provide SAFE, NATURAL, DRUG-FEE & EFFECTIVE ways to address depression. The focus is to restore a balanced and continuous flow of Qi throughout the body and mind.

- Acupuncture is not a magic bullet. You may need to receive weeks or months of treatment in order to see lasting results. Give yourself the time required so that you can experience the maximum benefits acupuncture and Chinese medicine have to offer.

- Surround yourself with people whom you trust to provide objective and unbiased input and insight. Develop a support group of friends, loved ones, family and co-workers who can lend an ear and listen to you.

- Breathe, go slow, and think things through. Don't make too many life changes all at once. A few at a time will support you and not overwhelm your emotions.

- Try to get at least 20 minutes of simple exercise at least 3 days per week, if not more. Take a daily walk, breathe deeply and let it all go.

- Remember, you are not alone. Others are having similar experiences.

- SMILE.

* Acupuncture Today; December 2001
** Boston Globe; November 17, 1999

For More Information on How Acupuncture can treat Depression, or
for a FREE Consultation, Please Contact:

Sylvie Morin, D.O.M.
Health For Life
402. N. Babcock St.,
Suite 101
Melbourne, FL 32935

321.259.0555

Facial Rejuvenation

Safe, Effective, Natural & Drug-free
Facial Rejuvenation

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can provide a safe, effective, natural drug free approach to reduce signs of aging. A facial rejuvenation using this ancient technique can improve muscle tone of the face and neck while addressing underlying imbalances that may have contributed to the aging process.


Why does skin sag?

According to Chinese medicine, wrinkles begin internally from a weakness and imbalance of Qi (pronounced "chee"). Qi circulates throughout the body within a series of pathways called meridians. Flowing through these pathways, Qi provides nourishment, support, and energy to every cell, tissue, muscle and organ.

As we get older, it becomes more difficult for Qi to flow upwards to "lift" the face. This leads to inadequate muscle tone, and over time wrinkles and sagging skin. A variety of factors can contribute to this - poor diet, digestion and circulation or emotional and environmental stress.

Give your skin a lift.

A facial rejuvenation using acupuncture improves overall skin and muscle tone while enhancing and increasing the elasticity of the skin. Acupuncture can reduce signs of aging by strengthening and stimulating the circulation of Qi within the meridian pathways, especially those of the face. You will look and feel more energetic, calm, vibrant and healthy.

Acupuncture treatments may be combined with herbal supplements, exercise and acupressure in order to maximize results. Before using drugs or surgery to improve appearance, consider acupuncture. It is an effective, natural, safe, drug free and painless alternative.

Self Care techniques

1) Herbal poultice - Thoroughly clean face. Make a poultice using equal parts of ground organic almonds, lavender and rose flowers, ground flax seeds and oats. Add water and French clay, and stir into a thick paste. Apply to the face, avoiding the eyes and let dry. Wash off after 15-20 minutes.

2) Stay hydrated - Drink plenty of fresh spring water. This can keep the muscles and skin hydrated to prevent drying.

4) Gently massage the face.

5) Walk at least 20 minutes a day, and remember to breath deeply.

Call today to schedule a free consultation or
for more information:

Sylvie Morin, D.O.M.-Acupuncture Physician
Health For Life
321.259.0555
www.HealthforLifeisGood.com
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