What can TCM treat? Male fertility

Photo by mandypantz

Male fertility isn't often the first thought when there is trouble with conception. However, according to statistics from the National Infertility Association (an organization also known as RESOLVE), between 35 and 40 percent of infertility problems among couples are actually due to male conditions.  Some factors that are known to affect sperm production are infections, varicocele (swollen veins in the scrotom), exposure to toxins and chemicals, smoking, and radiation.

Acupuncture may help some men overcome infertility problems by improving the quality of their sperm, according to a new study. Researchers found five weeks of acupuncture treatment reduced the number of structural abnormalities in sperm and increased the overall number of normal sperm in a group of men with infertility problems. Compared to the control group, motility levels increased significantly in semen samples in the men receiving acupuncture. While median motility levels increased from 32% to 37% in the control group, they increased from 44.5% to 50% in the acupuncture group. Read the entire article on Acupuncture Today.

Practitioners who work with female fertility are also successful in treating male fertility. We treat according to the Traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis while using acupuncture points to enhance fertility. Male infertility treatments with acupuncture would include points on the lower abdomen, back, and also some in the lower extremities. A practitioner may also prescribe an herbal formula. If you are working with an fertility doctor, it's good to let them know you are also receiving acupuncture.

What can TCM treat? Fibromyalgia

Photo by postbear

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that is characterized by pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons. There is also fatigue, along with tender areas in the body where slight pressure causes intense pain. Many people who have fibromyalgia also find it difficult to sleep, which makes the fatigue and pain worse, as the body is unable to recover at night. Fibromyalgia was once diagnosed as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), but it is now known that these diseases have different diagnoses.

Fibromyalgia affects one in 50 Americans, and occurs more frequently in women than in men (according to the American College of Rheumatology). I recently spoke to a friend who was diagnosed with fibromyalgia several years ago. She told me that reflexology was the best thing she had tried so far, but since her insurance wasn't going to cover it anymore, she wanted to look into acupuncture. Her question for me was: "what can acupuncture do for me, and is it going to hurt more that I already do?"

Acupuncture is a great treatment for individuals with fibromyalgia. Practitioners are able to access the painful areas in the body without having to needle the place where there is pain. We are able to manage pain by using points in the wrist and hand, ankles and feet. There are points we can use in the scalp to help with pain management and auricular acupressure. I often incorporate some Shiatsu massage techniques into my treatments to help with the pain and even reiki can help gently move and balance the energy of the body.

Acupuncture and PTSD: Radio Interview

On Wednesday, May 20, 2009, a volunteer from Acupuncturists without Borders (AWB) will be hosting a radio interview about veterans with PTSD and acupuncture.  Dr. Joe C. Chang will be interviewed on this program, and will be discussing his integrative medicine program at both Army and Navy military bases. Acupuncturists without Borders is a non-profit organization that trains acupuncturists to organize and help out in crisis situations, and has also started the Military Stress Recovery Projects (formerly known as the Vets Project). To listen to this interview, go to KSVY.org and click on the listen now button (1-2 pacific time on Wednesday).

Photo by heidiheimsal

What can TCM help with? Weight Loss

Weight loss is something many people struggle with at some point in their lives. For some, it is simple to drop a few pounds, but often it's a slow process that requires lifestyle changes and a dedication to taking care of our bodies. Acupuncture can be a great way to help with weight loss. The treatment may include the stimulation of acupoints in the hands, legs, and feet as well as the abdomen. The acupuncture points chosen by the practitioner are to help with craving for food, stimulate the metabolism, and boost energy.

Ear seeds by stillthedudeabides

When I am treating patients who are interested in weight loss, I often use ear seeds. These tiny seeds that stick to the ear using adhesive tape are to be pressed by the patient several times a day for one minute. They are very helpful in treating weight loss, and are painless and non-invasive. The auricular acupuncture points chosen are to help with craving for food, stimulate the metabolism, and boost energy. The points used might be Shen Men (to calm the mind), the Mouth point, and the Hunger point (enough said!)

There are also some good Traditional Chinese medicine herbal formulas that can help with weight loss. These are NOT formulas that contain huge amounts of ephedra, but are instead specifically aimed at the constitution of the patient. I would not recommend any of the fad diet regimes on the market today, so talk to your practitioner about an herbal formula that is tailored specifially to your needs and body type.

Taking the Pulse in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture London by glenimages

Taking the pulse in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a very important part of our diagnosis. A practitioner can tell a lot about you internally, even before you tell her or him. A lot of patients are mystified by this diagnostic skill (and they should be!). It's just one of the many different ways that acupuncture and alternative medicine differ from conventional medicine. Since a lot of my patients often inquire about what I'm doing when I take their pulses, I thought I'd write a post about why we take the pulse in TCM.

It's not something that practitioners can learn over night- it takes a lot of practice and taking several hundred (or thousand) pulses to get the technique down.  There are three positions a practitioner is looking for, and each position represents a different organ or part of the body.This is the reason we take the pulse on both sides, not just one. By taking your pulse, we can tell if your eating habits are good, if you have a cold coming on, and if your energy is high or low. We can also take note of how your organs are functioning at that time.

When an acupuncture practitioner takes your pulse, they are still counting the beats per minute, the way you would have done in the doctors office. However, we are also looking for certain "qualities" in the pulse. Some terms you might hear an acupuncturist say are "wiry" (if you are stressed out or in pain), "slippery" of you have a lot of phlegm, or even "rapid" of you have a fever.

Don't be afraid to ask the practitioner what they are feeling in your pulse- education is the best way to living a healthier life :)

Acupuncture for Portland

Acupuncture (for the Earth): by Cynner_SF

Happy Earth Day!

Last year, local artist Adam Kuby gave the city of Portland a much needed acupuncture treatment! In March of 2008, a 23-foot needle was installed in the south waterfront area of Portland. Several students from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine helped chose the most effective place (acupoint?) in the city.

Read this interesting article on Acufinder.com

Acupuncture and Allergies

Pollen from Scots Pine: by goforchris

Allergy season has been here in Portland for well over a month now, and I have been seeing a lot of people with seasonal allergy symptoms. There is no doubt we are in the great Northwest when everyone is sneezing and rubbing their eyes in unison (click here for the current pollen count)!

If you are currently suffering, acupuncture and herbs will effectively treat the symptoms, because they are aren't going to improve on their own.  Benadryl and other allergy medications are helpful, but these only mask the symptoms for a few hours.

You will most likely need treatment once a week for the first few months, and once the symptoms are under control, treatments can be stretched to once every other week or every three weeks.

Herbal medicine also works well in conjunction with the acupuncture.- check out my previous allergy post for links and information

Acupuncture for children

Pediatric acupuncture is in the news again! Check out this amazing Good Morning America clip - the kids in the video really seem to enjoy acupuncture. The tools that the practitioner is using with the toddler are called Shonishin (sho=little, ni=child, shin-needle), a Japanese acupuncture technique which uses non-penetrating needles and tools to work with children.

It's also great how they discuss teens using acupuncture. Going through puberty can be a struggle both physically and emotionally, and I feel acupuncture would be a good way to calm the mind and allow teens to feel more comfortable with their changing bodies.

Food and Fertility

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ci3rWcrvDM[/youtube]

Jill Blakeway, LAc, is a practitioner in New York at the  The YinOva Center.  Her focus is on women's health and she also has an informative fertility and pregnancy blog. Jill has a book about acupuncture and fertility titled: "Making Babies: a proven three-month program for maximum fertility."  The book will focus on foods, lifestyle changes, and timing conception, and willbe available this summer.

In the meantime, have a look at Fertilityinfo.com for an informative list of foods to eat while trying to conceive. Some of this list includes organic foods whenever possible, and eliminating alcohol and caffeine and trans fats. Check out the list of nutrient rich fertility diet, and watch the video.

p.s. from the YinOva Center Blog - the post that is helping me break up with coffee....

New places for healing around Portland

Ba Gua from: Wikipedia

The Taoist Center in Southeast Portland is open for classes and treatments. The Taoist center is a space for the study of the Dao, but also hold classes, provides acupuncture treatment, and offers bodywork. I'm looking forward to watching the growth of this wonderful place. They also have a blog - check it out!

Working Class Acupuncture will be opening another clinic in Southwest Portland mid-April! So for those of us who don't seem to make it over to Northeast as often as we'd like, keep checking back here for more info about the opening, or check their blog.

TCM in Pediatric Hospitals

Photo by Spiderwoman

Childrens Hospital is integrating acupuncture into treatment plans for kids!

Childrens Hospital Los Angeles is collaborating with the Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine to provide acupuncture and Chinese medicine to pediatric patients. The Pediatric Acupuncture Program began treating patients in January of this year, and Dr. Jeffery Gold, the director of Pedictric Pain management stated that "...acupuncture may serve to harmonize Traditional Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine as a means of promoting preventive care and symptom management for children." More information on this collaboration can be read here.

Childrens Hospital Boston has been utilizing acupuncture to help with chronic pain management as well as diseases such as asthma, constipation, and dental pain. Acupuncture is used in conjuction with Western medical care at the hospital in order to “.... decrease children’s pain and symptoms so that they may participate in activities at school, in sports and with their peers,” reports Dr. Yuan Chi Lin, director of Children's Medical Acupuncture Services .

I look forward to seeing how many pediatric hospitals in the US and hopefully throughout the world will be using acupuncture to help children in the future!

Acupuncture and moxibustion for breech babies

Moxa by SuperFantastic A research paper was recently published concerning the efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of turning breech babies (meaning the baby's head is up instead of down near the birth canal). With the use of specific acupuncture points and careful moxibustion technique, the results of the review of trials were that Traditional Chinese Medicine is a safe and effective way to help turn breech babies.

By using a simple moxibustion method, a practitioner can help turn the baby in a painless and effective manner. I have spoken to many people who have used this method with great success, and once the baby turns, it stays that way. Check out this research article for the positive results of a moxibustion and breech presentation study.

However, there are many more ways (check out this list of 17) a women can turn her baby, though I think I'd prefer trying mosxibustion than some of these.....

Video Introduction to Acupuncture

Acupuncture Collage

Photo by kodiax2

Check out this quick video on what to expect during your first acupuncture treatment! Not all clinics look like this one, and not all treatments are going to be like a spa treatment, but it's a good way to see what you might expect.

Interview with a practitioner: Jennie King, LMT

1) What brought you to Portland?

I came to Portland for two reasons: The first reason is that I lived in Ohio and I wanted to live somewhere that fit my values. I always felt like I was swimming upstream. I love Portland and I feel like it is an oasis.

The second reason was that I wanted to develop a deeper relationship with my little brother.  He moved to the west coast right after he graduated from high school and I desired to have a friendship that wasn't based on our childhood but extended into adulthood as well.

2) Why did you decide to become an LMT?

I became a massage therapist because I think touch is invaluable. I wasn't always comfortable with touch- meaning touching other people or being touched. I love a good challenge and I could tell that I had a lot of potential for growth in that area. Also, I feel that there are so many violating ways that people treat each other, I wanted to be part of the solution to heal that manner of interaction.

3) Tell me about your practice.

My practice is based on everything I've learned translated through my belief systems.  I've studied the basic Swedish deep tissue massage, but have incorporated Shiatsu, myofascial and craniosacral massage.  My education in Chinese medicine at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine colors how I look at the body.  I love fusing the structural muscle work with the energetic, and I see it as a dance with the person on the table.

4) Where does your passion for the medicine of massage come from? My passion for my practice comes from a desire to change the world.  I feel like I can do it one person at a time.  I like to provide that space where people can recharge and remember who they are.  If I help them be the best that they can then they can go out and do their job better.  I love learning and the body is endless.

5) Any advice for patients? My advice for patients is to breath and ground, everything else flows from there.

6) What is your favorite Portland restaurant and why? There are so many great restaurants and I love to eat but if I had to pick one it would be The Farm.  The reason is fallen chocolate souffle, of course.

You can find Jennie at:

The Abbey House

2928 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Suite #104

Portland, OR 97214

phone: 503-740-5464

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Breastfeeding

According to Bob Flaws in "A Handbook if TCM Pediatrics," breast milk is the single best food for infants. Children who are breast fed have better immune systems and gastrointestinal health than those who aren't. Breastfeeding induces the release of oxytocin, a hormone that causes uterine contractions and helps the mother's body recover from giving birth. Acupuncture is a beneficial way to treat the mother should any any problems arise, such as mastitis (the inflammation and infection of breast tissue).

Mastitis in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) terms is "Toxic Heat accumulation with Qi and Blood Stagnation," which is actually similar to the Western diagnosis of inflammation and infection. The TCM diagnosis is an interesting holistic view of the body, as the lower part, (mainly the uterus) is Cold and Deficient from giving birth, but the upper part of the body (the breasts) has Heat and Stagnation.

A TCM practitioner will use acupoints and prescribe herbs that can either be taken orally or as an herbal pack to place on the breast. Dandelion (Pu Gong Yin) and honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua) are commonly used to treat mastitis, as their action is to clear heat and toxicity out of the affected area. TCM offers many formulas that a nursing mother can safely take, including Shen Hua Tang, (the formula recommended in the post on TCM and Postpartum care), and the use of acupuncture relaxes the mother and ensures the smooth flow of Qi, or energy throughout the body (note: acupuncture points used to treat mastitis are rarely directly on the breast).

Check out this acupuncture website for an in-depth view of eating habits during breastfeeding, and the La Leche League for more resources.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Childbirth and and Postpartum Care

Kinsey & Zander

Bringing a new life into the world is an amazing process, but the time spent in labor and delivery takes a toll on the mother's body. After giving birth, a woman's body is depleted, and needs to be nourished by her environment (calm, quiet and warmth) and the foods she eats. She needs to take care of herself more than ever at this point, but must also take care of her infant. Balancing these can be difficult for the first few weeks, until both the mother and child are on a regular schedule.

Acupuncture and herbal medicine are extremely helpful in recovery after childbirth. The new mother will be sleep deprived and extremely tired due to the loss of blood and energy in labor and delivery. She may also have some post-partum blues due to the hormonal changes. There are acupoints that practitioners use to help the mother recover physically and emotionally, and other techniques, such as moxibustion to warm the body and help her heal.

A Chinese recipe from Angela Wu's "Fertility Wisdom" involves poaching an egg or chicken pieces with ginger, sesame oil, and rice wine. These foods have properties to warm the body after giving birth. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, the process of birth can create a coldness in the lower abdomen, as well as stagnation. Shen Hua Tang, or the "Generation and Transformation" formula, is a traditional formula often used to help with lower abdominal pain after childbirth.

Acupuncture in the military

The US Air Force is using acupuncture! This is such exciting news, as military doctors who have training in are able to treat soldiers in pain without using high doses of narcotics.  "Battlefield acupuncture," which is the method developed by Air Force Physician Col. Richard Niemtzow, uses small auricular needles that fit under the soldiers' helmets. They are able to perform their duties while getting some relief from pain.

The Air Force currently runs the military's only acupuncture clinic, but next month, a pilot program will train 44 Army, Navy, and Air Force doctors to apply acupuncture as part of emergency care in war zones, as well as on bases.

We already know many of the positive effects that acupuncture can have on soldiers when they come back from the front lines, but it would be even better to receive treatment while still on base. Check out the article here!

Winter and the Water Element

Snow berries: Photo by leojmelsrub

Winter has arrived. It seemed to take a while, but when it did, it was quite dramatic. Weeks of snow (with more to come!), wind, and chilly temperatures have clearly notified us that the season of Winter is here. Staying indoors and sleeping are more appealing as our bodies try to keep us warm, and cravings for certain foods may also be at the forefront of our minds. This is the season in Chinese Medicine of TCM organs the Kidneys, which holds the essence of  our being and our energy.

	WATER	WOOD	FIRE	EARTH	METAL
Season	Winter	Spring	Summer	Late Summer	Autumn
Climatic Qi	Cold	Wind	Heat	Damp	Dryness
Yang Organ	Bladder	Gallbladder	Small Intestine	Stomach	Large Intestine
Yin Organ	Kidney	Liver	Heart	Spleen	Lung
Sense Organ	Ears	Eyes	Tongue	Mouth	Nose
Body Tissue	Bone	Sinews	Blood Vessel	Muscles	Skin
Emotion	Fear	Anger	Joy/Shock	Worry	Sadness
Color	Black	Green	Red	Yellow	White
Taste	Salty	Sour	Bitter	Sweet	Spicy

Chart borrowed from: http://www.chinesemedicinesampler.com/theory5elements.html

Winter is also the season that shows the most "Yin" aspect of Chinese medicine.  Yin is darker, movement is slower, and it is a cooler outside. This is compared to the "Yang" summer season, where it's light outside much longer, there are a million things happening, and it's usually warm. In winter, it's a good time to stay inside, sleep in a little bit, and take some time for some reflection after the mayhem and social activity of the holidays. Eating warm foods such as nourishing soups and fragrant stews help our bodies be still and prepare for the coming of Spring in a few months. Elson Hass, MD wrote an interesting book: "Staying Healthy with the Seasons," that discusses how to eat and exercise with each season and the changes that occur in nature and within our own bodies.

It's also important to keep up with some form of exercise routine, such as yoga, (read this article for more information), and to continue drinking water. Even though we may not be sweating as much, out bodies still need water in this season. After all, it is the season of the Water element...

Acupuncture During Pregnancy

Photo by Paul: Anya says hello to Seth

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a wonderful tool to use during pregnancy. It's drug-free, and relaxing for both the baby and the mother. It can be used throughout the entire pregnancy, and even after delivery. Although there are a few acupuncture points that are contraindicated in pregnancy, there are many safe and very effective points that practitioners can use to help the mother feel her best during this special time.

During the first trimester (1-12 weeks) of pregnancy, a woman might feel fatigue and nausea, both of which may slowly disappear by the second trimester (13-28 weeks). There may be some herbal formulas to take, but these may be limited due to the fact that many herbs can't be used during pregnancy, and the taste may be difficult for a pregnant woman to swallow. Weekly acupuncture treatments are the best remedy during this time of the pregnancy to combat the nausea and help her gain some energy.

The second trimester is the time where the woman may start to feel slightly better in regards to the nausea, and also when she will begin to look pregnant and feel the baby move. That being said, heartburn, constipation, and even hemorrhoids may occur during this time. This is due to hormonal changes that affect the smooth muscle in the body as well as the veins. Acupuncture points can also be used effectively at this time to provide relief for the mother.

In the third trimester, acupuncture can help relieve edema, or water retention, around the ankles and feet as well as back pain and insomnia.  If the baby is in a breech position, moxibustion can be used to turn the baby around. It usually takes around ten days of using the moxibustion stick daily, but it can be very effective when using it properly. Acupuncture can also be used closer to the delivery date to help with effacement and to shorten the labor time. There are also some practitioners who will help induce labor in a baby that is past the due date, depending on the situation. There are some hospitals and midwives who also allow acupuncturists to be present during a delivery if requested by the mother.

Every pregnancy is different, and it's important to keep an open mind with the treatments. This site has some good suggestions about Western herbs to avoid during pregnancy, as well as some other helpful hints. Mother's Special Blend is an oil that several women swear by to help with stretch marks (you can also find this at New Seasons in Portland). Pregnancy is a special time in a woman's life, and I believe that acupuncture can effectively help her to have the best 40 weeks possible.

Antibiotics and Chinese Medicine

Photo by sadalit

This time of year always seems to be prime for sinus and lung infections creeping up and knocking us off our feet. The cold weather has settled in, the excitement of the snow has passed, and the holiday season has come to a close. After traveling around more than usual and consuming rich holiday foods, our immune systems are feeling a bit low as well. This can lead to a serious problem if we aren't careful.

While antibiotics definitely have their place in getting rid of certain infections, Chinese Medicine can also be used to treat them without the side effects some antibiotics tend to have. Brian Carter wrote at www.ambafrance-do.org, "Chinese Herbal Medicine can address the full spectrum of complaints and causes; we (acupuncturists) often treat the conditions which are not responding to conventional treatments like antibiotics."

Unfortunately, sometimes the wrong antibiotics are given, or there is an allergic reaction to them. By using Chinese Herbs and acupuncture, the use of antibiotics may be avoided altogether in some cases. However, preventative action is needed in order to stave off the respiratory infection in the first place.

Several herbal formula companies produce effective formulas for sinus and lung congestion, and due to the different stages of infections, it's a good idea to talk to your practitioner about which herbs are right for you before taking them. In the mean time, be sure to stay warm, drink plenty of water, and even use a nasal irrigation technique if necessary or recommended by your practitioner.