Neil Kingham

Using acupuncture alongside IVF is becoming quite common, and there has been a great deal of research on this topic in the past few years which indicates that acupuncture increases the chances of a successful IVF cycle by 40-50%.

Beginning before the IVF cycle and continuing through to childbirth where necessary, acupuncture improves ovarian function, leading to larger numbers of better quality eggs, regulates the hormonal system, nourishes the uterus and foetus to help prevent miscarriage, and reduces stress and anxiety.

The treatment works in two ways – by following along with the IVF process to enhance each stage of the procedure, and also by helping you to deal with any side effects of the drugs, and by reducing stress and helping with any other health problems that occur along the way.

So, as well as the increased chance of a successful IVF cycle and subsequent birth, women who have acupuncture treatment also feel happier, more positive and more relaxed during the process. In my practice, women tell me that they have greatly enjoyed the acupuncture, and found that it has really helped them through what is normally a very stressful time.

Acupuncture treatment should normally be weekly throughout the IVF process, and ideally should start slightly before you start the IVF. For women who are needle-phobic it is also possible to use acupressure and tui na techniques during IVF in a similar way to acupuncture.

Using Chinese herbs on a regular basis is a simple but effective way of boosting energy levels and fighting fatigue.

In the language of Chinese medicine, energy-boosting herbs are called ‘Qi tonics’. These herbs provide deep, long term tonification to the whole body. They are not empty stimulants, and generally do not have an instant effect. However, taken for longer periods they can bring about profound and long lasting improvements in our overall energy levels and well-being.

We have all heard of ginseng – one of the most famous herbs in the world. It is a wonderful herb, and very highly prized across Asia. But in the West not so many people know the important differences in the types of ginseng, and what each one is used for – this often means that people take the wrong kind.

One of the main distinctions is between red and white ginseng. In each case the same root is used, but processing methods are different. The red ginseng is more heating and stimulating – it is ideal for people who are generally cold and sluggish, but not really suitable for people who are more warm or hot natured.

Other kinds of ginseng also have different natures – Siberian ginseng is another very heating and stimulating herb, similar to red ginseng, but American ginseng is more cooling and is a better choice for many people.

Other ‘Qi tonic’ herbs are used regularly in China as ingredients in cooking. Astragalus root, cordyceps muchrooms, Chinese yam, and Chinese dates (or ‘jujube’) are all used in this way. As well as contributing flavour to a dish they also impart their energy-boosting and health-giving properties. The ancient Chinese doctor Shen Nong said that regular use of herbs in this way would ‘make the body light, prevent senility and prolong life’.

All of these herbs are available in oriental super-markets, and can be easily used without any special training or culinary skill. Used regularly they can really help to improve overall health and well-being.

Please note, if you are taking prescription medication or are pregnant or breastfeeding you should check with your doctor or a qualified herbalist before taking any herbs.

To find out more about using herbs to improve your energy levels, have a look at my Boost Energy Levels programme.

It is rare to see a well designed, randomized controlled study on qigong, and it is nice to see that the benefits of this ancient health art are being shown by modern scientific studies.

This recent study, published in American journal ‘Daibetes Care’, looked at 251 adults with type 2 diabetes, and assigned them randomly to a qigong group, a control group or a progressive resistance training (PRT) group as an active comparison. Conventional diabetes care was continued at the same time.

After 12 weeks statistically significant reductions in plasma glucose levels were observed in the Qigong group, with a reduction found in every participant in this group. Fasting glucose of the Qigong group significantly improved compared with that of the PRT group and the control group.

The authors conclude that ‘Qigong therapy for 12 weeks resulted in significant reductions in fasting glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes and demonstrated trends toward improvement in insulin resistance and A1C. These results suggest that Qigong may be an effective complementary therapy for individuals with type 2 diabetes.’

Read the full article

If part of you is dreading the approach of late Spring, and the pollen it will bring, acupuncture may hold the answer.

Chinese medicine provides an effective and side-effect free alternative for treatment of hay fever, which has been approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) who say that “In controlled studies, it has been shown that acupuncture is more effective than antihistamine drugs in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Acupuncture’s lack of side-effects is a distinct advantage in treating this condition…”

Acupuncture works by regulating the immune system and reducing histamine production and can help to deal with the symptoms at the same time. Acupuncture and/or tui na massage are very effective treatments for hay fever, and can also be combined with nutritional advice where appropriate. For best results treatment should begin before the hay fever season starts, ideally at around 6 weeks before symptoms normally begin.

Hay Fever, or ‘seasonal allergic rhinitis’ is an allergic reaction to an airborne substance such as grass or tree pollen, chemicals or dust particles. It is caused by an over-sensitive immune system which produces histamine in response to the inhaled particles. This causes the characteristic itching, sore eyes, mucus, sneezing and so on.

Conventional treatment involves taking anti-histamines, corticosteroids, or the newer Leukotriene receptor antagonists. This can be effective, but often causes side-effects, which can be serious, and does not offer a long-term solution to the problem.

In Chinese medicine terms, hay fever is normally seen as an imbalance of the Wei Qi which is the defensive energy of the body, under control of the Lungs. As a chronic condition, other organs are normally involved, sometimes the Kidneys. Chinese Medicine is able to get at the root cause of the Hay Fever, and repeated treatment has a cumulative effect, lessening symptoms year on year.

For more information about the authors UK practice visit Bristol Acupuncture & Tui Na

This is a soup to strengthen the knees and back.

Chronic weakness, pain or slow healing of the knees and/or lower back can be related to the Kidneys in Chinese Medicine. This soup recipe contains ingredients traditionally used to strengthen the Kidneys, and reinforce the knees and back. It also helps to circulate Qi and Blood, and is high in silicon which is essential for the strength of the bones and connective tissues.

This soup can be used to aid healing after an injury or surgery, or to maintain health of the lower back and knees.

1pt ‘real’ chicken stock, made from broken chicken bones
2 small handfuls pearl barley or yi yi ren
2 small handfuls black beans (cooked)
1 onion
2 cloves garlic
2 sticks celery
1 large carrot
Black pepper
Dash of shaoshing rice wine

Note on ingredients: Yi Yi Ren is also known as coix or Chinese barley, and can be cooked in the same way as pearl barley. It is used in Chinese herbalism for clearing dampness, especially when this relates to joint pain. Shaoshing rice wine is a Chinese wine commonly used in cooking. Both are available from Chinese supermarkets.

Directions:

Simmer the barley or yi yi ren and celery in the stock for 45 minutes. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook for 10 minutes more, then add the carrot and cook for a further 5 minutes, or until all ingredients are cooked. Add the cooked beans, a dash of rice wine and a good amount of black pepper. Cook for another couple of minutes, then serve.

Serves 2.

This soup will also freeze well.

The effect of acupuncture in easing hot flushes and night sweats associated with the menopause has already been proved, but now a new study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology shows acupuncture to be effective in the treatment of hot flushes that occur as the side-effect of breast cancer treatment.

The study shows acupuncture is as effective as drug therapy with Effexor (venlafaxine) at easing hot flashes in breast cancer patients, but it also improved sex drive, energy levels, and clarity of thought.

Researcher Eleanor Walker, MD, of the department of radiation oncology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, says “Acupuncture offers patients a safe, effective and durable treatment option for hot flashes, something that affects the majority of breast cancer survivors. Compared to drug therapy, acupuncture actually has benefits, as opposed to more side effects.”

The study followed 50 breast cancer patients who were randomly assigned to receive either acupuncture or drug treatment for 12 weeks. They were then surveyed for one year. Both groups experienced a 50% decline in hot flushes and symptoms of depression, but the acupuncture treatment appeared to have more lasting effects with fewer side effects.

There were 18 instances of negative side effects in the drug group including nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, and anxiety, but no side effects reported among the acupuncture group. Patients in the acupuncture group also reported improvements in their energy, clarity of thought, and sense of well-being.

In Chinese medical thought, hot flashes and night sweats are normally associated with a deficiency of Yin. This tends to occur with menopausal women, and Yin can also be damaged by some drugs, including Effexor.

Acupuncture and other disciplines within Chinese medicine can help to control hot flushes, reduce night sweats and improve overall health and well-being.