Acupuncture & Fertility, Weight Loss Secrets

Acupuncture & Fertility

There are various western causes of infertility. It is extremely important to evaluate and even treat both partners. For both partners, age is primary. After age 25, it becomes increasingly difficult to conceive. In males, abnormalities in sperm counts can account for almost 40% of couples who are infertile. Environmental factors such as stress, drug use, diet, and alcohol, can slow down sperm motility or even prevent it. Female factors are: anatomical defects in the cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, or uterus. Fibroids, endometriosis, PID, (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease), and polyps can all affect fertility.

Hormones and endocrine system imbalances are also a big factor. Chinese medicine and acupuncture can have a huge impact on a couple's chances by strengthening the individual constitution, improving function, promoting flow of energy to the reproductive organs and harmonizing hormones. Simply put, conception is a function of health, and the healthier a couple is the better the chances of their conceiving a child, regardless of their ages. Most importantly is: Nutritional counselling with respect to identifying and correcting any and all individual deficiencies, avoiding negative factors such as cigarettes, alcohol, and sweets, minimizing stress and environmental factors, including chemicals, and taking appropriate vitamin supplements and herbal formulas based on the individual's areas that need strengthening, attitude adjustments and removal of anxiety, as well as finally, developing an exercise plan the couple can do consistently. Weight needs to be normalized in many couples. There is such thing as a "fertile" weight for both men and women. Lastly, it is very important to remain calm and to leave western interventions such as: IVF and drugs as a last resort. Please forward this information to anyone you know who is considering such "heroics"....We have had between 65-70% success with natural, chinese treatments in some patients that were told that they would NEVER conceive so it is certainly a very viable option for any couple. Please be aware that the hormonal treatments have very serious long term effects including to my mind, unacceptably high rates of uterine, breast and ovarian cancers. Please give natural medicine a chance before placing your health in such jeopardy !

Do Over the Counter Weight Loss Aids Help?

The truthful answer is twofold. #1 while everyone I see is looking to lose weight, no drug or supplement for that matter is going to do it for you. That being said, some weight loss supplements can be helpful others a waste of money, and still others, downright dangerous! The table below will give you some idea of what is out there. IF you or someone you know needs to lose weight please come in for some real help in this important endeavor! If money is the inhibitory factor please call me and I will try to accomodate your situation within reason. Thanks!

Supplement	Weight loss Claim	My Opinion
Green Tea Extract	Burns fat and calories, decreases appetite	Most research has been done with drinking 3 to five cups of green tea daily. I doubt it will hurt you, but I haven't seen much in the way of results here. In my opinion, try drinking the beverage. There may be a benefit as hot beverages seem to decrease appetite and meal intake. If you take a supplement make sure it is a quality, standardized extract.
Hoodia	Appetite Supressant	Claims galore, but no research and no efficacy in my opinion from watching consumers try it. In my opinion, hoodia is hooey!
Guar Gum	Blocks fat and calories	Safe, resin which can block some fat intake but unlikely in an amount sufficient to facilitate weight loss. Can cause diarrhea and abdominal cramping in some people. Can cause a very serious intestinal obstruction if not taken with enough fluid.
Bitter Orange	Increases metabolic rate	Touted as a safe subsitute for ephedra but I have seen problems with it. The number one problem I've seen is no weight loss from taking the product but weight gain when the product is discontinued! Adrenal exhaustion from overstimulation of adrenal glands, and anxiety may occur in some users.
Chitosan	Blocks fat and calories	Essentially worthless, a fiber made from crushed crustaceans, big trouble allergy wise for folks allergic to seafood. I have used it successfully in some cases of kidney failure and it has helped there, by removing nitrogen waste from the body.
CLA	Reduces body fat builds muscle	There is some research here, but it only helps patients who are willing to do a significant amount of EXERCISE!!!! It may help to lean body mass but not usually to shed pounds.

Dr. Taryn DeCicco 7/4/2008