Beginning on Tuesday July 28, 2009 Reproductive Wellness will be sponsoring a monthly Fertility support group.  This support group is free to the public and will be professionally lead.  Each month there will be short educational section of about 15 minutes before the open discussion begins. 

The group will be the fourth Tuesday of each month and will run from 6-7pm.  We will meet at our Mission Valley Office located at 2425 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 180, San Diego, Ca. 92108  if you have any questions please contact the Reproductive Wellness office at 619-265-0291.  Feel free to bring loved ones and friends.

        

Reproductive Wellness is now in-network with both Blue Shield and American Specialty Health.  We also bill out of network for all other insurance plans if your plan covers acupuncture.  So if you have acupuncture benefits through your insurance you have coverage at our office!  Don't forget we do all the billing.

        

We here at Reproductive Wellness are proud to introduce our newest member, Maring Higa.  Maring has been practicing acupuncture in her own practice for years and recently joined our team in June.  We hope everyone has a chance to meet her personally.  Below is her bio:

Maring Higa, LAc, MSTOM
Acupuncture Associate

My personal journey to find optimal health eventually brought me to Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. I was first introduced to acupuncture when my father tried it as a last resort to fight off the final stages of cancer. Though he was not cured, I believe it made a marked impact in his quality of life. This loss for me was a pivotal moment in my life and I then developed a compelling urge to help others on their personal journey towards health."

Maring brings enthusiasm, passion and dedication to each individual patient. Drawing upon her psychology degree from Naropa Univeristy, she takes an integrative approach to healing. She received a Masters of Science degree from the highly respected Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego, California. Additionally, Maring traveled to China where she received a certification in International Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) from Chengdu University.

From a very young age, holistic medicine has been an integral part of Maring’s personal journey. She hopes to share her knowledge and experiences with every patient.

        

For women with PCOS, acupuncture and exercise may bring relief, reduce risks
EUREKALERT
Contact: Christine Guilfoy
cguilfoy@the-aps.org
301-634-7253
American Physiological Society
Study finds acupuncture and exercise decrease a key marker for disease
BETHESDA, Md. (June 29, 2009) Exercise and electro-acupuncture treatments can reduce sympathetic nerve activity in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), according to a new study. The finding is important because women with PCOS often have elevated sympathetic nerve activity, which plays a role in hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, obesity and cardiovascular disease
The study also found that the electro-acupuncture treatments led to more regular menstrual cycles, reduced testosterone levels and reduced waist circumference.
Exercise had no effect on the irregular or non-existent menstrual cycles that are common among women with PCOS, nor did it reduce waist circumference. However, exercise did lead to reductions in weight and body mass index.
"The findings that low-frequency electro-acupuncture and exercise decrease sympathetic nerve activity in women with PCOS indicates a possible alternative non-pharmacologic approach to reduce cardiovascular risk in these patients," said one of the researchers, Dr. Elisabet Stener-Victorin of the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. The findings regarding menstrual cycles and decrease in testosterone levels in the low-frequency electro-acupuncture are also of interest, according to the researcher.
The study, "Low-frequency electro-acupuncture and physical exercise decrease high muscle sympathetic nerve activity in polycystic ovary syndrome" was conducted by Elisabet Stener-Victorin, Elizabeth Jedel, Per Olof Janson and Vrsa Bergmann Sverrisdottir, all of the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden and the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. The study is in the online edition of the American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, published by The American Physiological Society.
Common endocrine disorder
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders, affecting an estimated 10% of women of reproductive age. Among the problems associated with the condition are elevated levels of androgens (such as testosterone, the 'male' hormone found in both sexes), ovarian cysts, irregular menstrual cycles and infertility.
PCOS is associated with increased sympathetic nerve activity in the blood vessels, part of the 'fight or flight' response that results in blood vessel constriction. Chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system increases the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.
The Swedish researchers had previously found that PCOS is associated with increased sympathetic nerve activity and said it may arise from the elevated testosterone level that is characteristic of PCOS.
Three groups
The researchers wanted to find a long-lasting treatment for PCOS that would have no adverse side effects, and so they looked at whether acupuncture or exercise could decrease the sympathetic nerve activity in women with PCOS. The study included 20 women, average age of 30 years, divided into the following groups:

low-frequency electro-acupuncture (9)

exercise (5)

untreated controls, (6)

The acupuncture group underwent 14 treatments during the 16-week study. Acupuncture points were located in abdominal muscles and back of the knee, points thought to be associated with the ovaries. The needles in the abdomen and leg were stimulated with a low-frequency electrical charge, enough to produce muscle contraction but not enough to produce pain or discomfort.
The exercise group received pulse watches and were told to take up regular exercise: brisk walking, cycling or any other aerobic exercise that was faster than walking but that they could sustain for at least 30 minutes. They exercised at least three days per week for 30-45 minutes, maintaining a pulse frequency above 120 beats per minute.
The researchers instructed the control group in the importance of exercise and a healthy diet, the same instructions the experimental groups received, but were not specifically assigned to do anything differently.
Key Findings
The researchers measured the muscle sympathetic nerve activity before and after the 16-week study. Following treatment, the study found the following:

Both the acupuncture and exercise groups significantly decreased muscle sympathetic nerve activity compared to the control group.

The acupuncture group experienced a drop in waist size, but not a drop in body mass index or weight.

The exercise group experienced a drop in weight and body mass index but not in waist size.

The acupuncture group experienced fewer menstrual irregularities but the exercise group's irregularities did not change.

In the acupuncture group, there was a significant drop in testosterone. This is an important indicator because the strongest independent predictor of high sympathetic nerve activity in women is the level of testosterone.

"This is the first study to demonstrate that repeated low-frequency electro-acupuncture and physical exercise can reduce high sympathetic nerve activity seen in women with PCOS," according to the authors. "Furthermore, both therapies decreased measures of obesity while only low-frequency electro-acupuncture improved menstrual bleeding pattern."

 

The study has some limitations, including a small sample size, so further research is necessary, the authors wrote. To find the full study, click here or go to http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102624936180&s=12053&e=001a5Q6exec6GHckH3mmmELKJoxoJkaWaFb7ZEFfMmV-fLNLpKuEV0EMO1mLbMnlSJgrIQuIp2cySkIeduV1ZD1da6g5aXEcFSHO_I0h1j2CPF25zwrT4dAJkCdEOPOXwJ1poyQmZvRKf1v_h1UqJOc231fPGFLgMVNFiuH79szy52zuqr9ZV26s5p2shK_vXlwtbZObDgI2SUcDzxG046pXr3aMjGgpxi06xJctgeHzDNk9lo4rTK3OLbeOhieek6-jbEHVbSw8zrs1E-7wYmsOcPN0hf1neJXmlKsq1NXBYur822huilyANvkTtHPgFohMPbqulEj7o1HM1bpkJ8hKIXHJC7Y1Bsj7jizwDLoZCYP3aW520N4FBlb-Oe_l9GliaTn7x9UHRE=.

 

We have been successfuly treating PCOS cases for many years with acupuncture and our proprietary herbal formulas.

        

The BBC News recently posted a story once again showing a big fertility benefit to regular intercourse.  You can read the story here:
Increased intercourse improves male fertility.

        

An acupuncture point on the small toe of the foot (Urinary Bladder 67) has been found to effectively revolve fetuses in breech presentation.

In an Italian study, 240 women at 33-35 weeks of gestation carrying a fetus in breech presentation were randomized to receive acupuncture plus moxibustion (an herb used to apply heat to an acupuncture point) or to be assigned to the observation group. At delivery, the proportion of babies that had turned from breech position to vertex (head-down) position was 53.6 % in the group treated with acupuncture while the proportion of babies that had turned from breech position to vertex position in the observation group was 36.7%.

Source: J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2004 Apr;15(4):247-52

        

Acupuncture during Pregnancy

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can play a vital role in the comfort of a pregnant woman. There is strong evidence to support that acupuncture is highly effective at treating some of the most common problems experienced during pregnancy including morning sickness, heartburn, insomnia, water retention and sciatica.

Here is a list of some of the problems that an acupuncturist often treats during pregnancy:

* Nausea and Vomiting
* Heartburn
* Constipation
* Hemorrhoids
* Edema and Swelling
* Urinary Tract Infection
* Pelvic Pain
* Neck and Back Pain
* Sciatica
* Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
* Leg Cramps
* Fatigue and Exhaustion
* Insomnia
* Anxiety and Depression

Acupuncture for Childbirth

While there are acupuncture points that can provide natural pain relief during labor, acupuncture is more commonly used to induce labor. There are several points that stimulate contractions and influence cervical ripening. There is also an acupuncture point that has been found to turn a breech baby.

Acupuncture Postpartum

Many women feel depleted after the birth experience. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help the transition of those first few months after birth to ensure a quick recovery. Postpartum care focuses on the physical, emotional and psychological recovery of the mother from the effects of pregnancy and labor, as well as encouraging breast feeding.

Here are some of the postpartum disorders that can be treated with acupuncture:

* Fatigue
* Postpartum Depression
* Mastitis
* Insufficient or Excessive Lactation
* Post Operative Healing
* Night Sweats

        

Once again we are starting our Fertility Yoga Series.  We are excited to be offering it again and apologize to everyone who has been waiting for it to begin.  All the details regarding the class are listed below.  We have also decided to begin to offer a free class for our patients that will teach them some simple techniques that they can do at home to help increase their fertility, decrease pms and other unwanted symptoms, and improve overall health.  We are excited to be able to offer this class at least once a month. 

We have been wanting to do research on fertility and Chinese medicine for sometime and we are excited to be able to say that we have begun the process to make this happen.  We are currently working out the details of the research project with one of the local Reproductive Endocrinologists in San Diego.  We hope to be able to start the initial aspects of the study come January 2009.  We will keep you posted on the developments.  If you are interested in taking part in the study please contact the office at 619-265-0291 and have them put you on the list.  Unfortunately at this time we do not have any other information regarding the study other than what I have written above.

Finally, I have been introduced to two new products for parents to be which I think will help in most households.  The first is called Happy Tummi, and it helps babies who suffer from colic and other digestive issues.  for more information you should visit the site.  The patients that haven begun using this at home have reported great results with their babies. 

Crib death (SIDS) is not a medical matter. It is caused by poisonous gases generated in the baby's sleeping environment. The gases are produced in a baby's crib (or other sleeping environment) by the action of common household fungus on compounds of phosphorus, arsenic and antimony present in the mattress and in certain other bedding.  A medical doctor in Australia has done research that has showed that by simply placing a mattress cover on mattress you can reduce SIDS.  If you are interested in learning more or purchasing a cover than you can visit Cot Life 2000 for more information.


For more information on all of our upcoming events please visit our website - Reproductive Wellness Events


5 Week Fertility Yoga Series

Open, Release and Strengthen with Gentle stretches, breathing & Feminine Archtypes

Course dates:
Saturday, November 15, 22, December 13 & 20 at 9am and
December 6th at 2:30pm

Location: Lusk/Mira Mesa office – 6370 Lusk Blvd, Suite F103, San Diego, Ca. 92121 Cost: $20 drop-in and $65 for the series

Space is limited, pre-registering is appreciated! Call 619-265-0291

        

So I wanted to write today about all the exciting things that have been happening at Reproductive Wellness in the past month or so.  First and foremost, I wanted to congratulate all the happy mothers to be that have successfully conceived this past month.  We have been fortunate to be able to help 6 woman conceive this past month, which is always exciting for us.  On top of that, we had a 51 year old patient conveive for the first time in her life with only 4 months of treatment.  As happy as we all were about this we just wanted her to hold the pregnancy to term.  Unfortunately that wasn't the case and about 5 weeks into her pregnancy she began to miscarry. 

The important thing to take out of this situation is that at 51 she was finally able to conceive.  Secondly, we had only been treating her for a short period of time.  For a woman of this age we would expect to have treated her for at least 5 more months before seeing these kind of results.  We are still trying and I will post back here when she finally delivers her baby!

Another interesting development at Reproductive Wellness has been the incorporation of Maya Abdominal/uterine Massage (MAM) into the practice.  As many of you know we have been working with Genevieve Siegel for some time, and I have always known about the benefits of MAM for patients.  However, recently we have been treating more patients jointly and the results have been amazing.  We have seen an increase in success rates with those patients who have been using both of our services, then with those who only use one of them.  Since then, when appropriate, I have been recommending that more of our patients see Genevieve while also receiving acupuncture.  I will keep you all posted on the progress.


Marc Sklar, LAc, FABORM
Reproductive Wellness
Clinical Director

        

The analysis was led by Eric Manheimer, a researcher at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and paid for by a federal agency, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Results were published Friday in the British medical journal, BMJ.

The analysis pools results from seven studies on 1,366 women in the United States, Germany, Australia and Denmark who are having in vitro fertilization, or IVF. It involves mixing sperm and eggs in a lab dish to create embryos that are placed in the womb.

This research showed a 65% increase in success rates when incorporating acupuncture with IVF.

For more information on the rersearch article please visit the BMJ