Fighting IF On 03/30/2008
Where Western medicine fails, Traditional Chinese Medicine Annotatedtags: bcng, chinese medicine, herbal, herbs, treatments, yin and yang
may offer new hope.
EAST OF THE USUAL
Growing up, Henry Lu was skeptical about the ancient art of Chinese medicine, even though his uncle ran a Chinese herb shop. But then, as an adult, suffering from chronic digestive problems, he experienced a profound awakening to the possibilities of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
For years, he followed his own doctor’s advice by taking a daily laxative and trying different diets and exercises — all to no avail. Having seemingly exhausted all of the treatment options available to him through Western medicine, in desperation he travelled to Hong Kong and Taiwan, where he was prescribed an herbal formula and underwent acupuncture treatments. Together, they cured him of his ailments.
This inspired Lu to begin studying TCM. He subsequently left his position as a professor at the University of Alberta to open his own college, the International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Vancouver, in 1986.
“I became convinced that drugs used in Western medicine do not outweigh the side effects in many cases,” Dr. Lu says. “Unlike Western medicine, which commonly strives to control symptoms, Chinese medicine focuses on the cause of the illness, and treats the cause.”
For many Westerners, TCM might seem confusing and off-putting, with its exotic terminology, peculiar diagnoses, and unconventional treatments. And yet it’s become increasingly popular, due to its emphasis on preventative health and controlling chronic conditions.
Where Western medicine fails, Traditional Chinese Medicine
may offer new hope.
EAST OF THE USUAL
Growing up, Henry Lu was skeptical about the ancient art of Chinese medicine, even though his uncle ran a Chinese herb shop. But then, as an adult, suffering from chronic digestive problems, he experienced a profound awakening to the possibilities of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
For years, he followed his own doctor’s advice by taking a daily laxative and trying different diets and exercises — all to no avail. Having seemingly exhausted all of the treatment options available to him through Western medicine, in desperation he travelled to Hong Kong and Taiwan, where he was prescribed an herbal formula and underwent acupuncture treatments. Together, they cured him of his ailments.
This inspired Lu to begin studying TCM. He subsequently left his position as a professor at the University of Alberta to open his own college, the International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Vancouver, in 1986.
“I became convinced that drugs used in Western medicine do not outweigh the side effects in many cases,” Dr. Lu says. “Unlike Western medicine, which commonly strives to control symptoms, Chinese medicine focuses on the cause of the illness, and treats the cause.”
For many Westerners, TCM might seem confusing and off-putting, with its exotic terminology, peculiar diagnoses, and unconventional treatments. And yet it’s become increasingly popular, due to its emphasis on preventative health and controlling chronic conditions.
Acupuncture May Solve Fertility Problems Annotated
tags: acupuncture, fertility, infertility, treatments
After a failed attempt at in vitro fertilization, an unsuccessful frozen embryo transfer and other fertility treatments, Caren Harvey and her husband, Paul, were emotionally, physically and financially exhausted.
Three years earlier, fertility treatments and surgery had made the couple's dream of having a baby a reality. Perhaps, they decided, a second child was not to be.
"We were devastated," says Harvey, 38, of her last unsuccessful attempt at a frozen embryo transfer. "Do we give up? What do we do? Do we just embrace our one baby and be happy, or do we try for another child and continue to torture ourselves?"
The Harveys decided to try once more. But this time, they used an ancient Chinese medical procedure as part of their treatment. They credit the birth of their second daughter, Brooke Judith, born in January 2007, to acupuncture — at least in part.
"We thought it was a little quirky at first," recalls Harvey. "I'm a nurse, so this felt very odd to me. Western medicine is very traditional; then you walk into an office, and this beautiful soft music is playing and she's looking at my tongue and telling me what [my body] is lacking. I know it [acupuncture] made a dramatic change. I really wish I had done this before I tried anything else."
After a failed attempt at in vitro fertilization, an unsuccessful frozen embryo transfer and other fertility treatments, Caren Harvey and her husband, Paul, were emotionally, physically and financially exhausted.
Three years earlier, fertility treatments and surgery had made the couple's dream of having a baby a reality. Perhaps, they decided, a second child was not to be.
"We were devastated," says Harvey, 38, of her last unsuccessful attempt at a frozen embryo transfer. "Do we give up? What do we do? Do we just embrace our one baby and be happy, or do we try for another child and continue to torture ourselves?"
The Harveys decided to try once more. But this time, they used an ancient Chinese medical procedure as part of their treatment. They credit the birth of their second daughter, Brooke Judith, born in January 2007, to acupuncture — at least in part.
"We thought it was a little quirky at first," recalls Harvey. "I'm a nurse, so this felt very odd to me. Western medicine is very traditional; then you walk into an office, and this beautiful soft music is playing and she's looking at my tongue and telling me what [my body] is lacking. I know it [acupuncture] made a dramatic change. I really wish I had done this before I tried anything else."
First Sex Chromosome Gene Involved In Meiosis And Male Infertility Identified
tags: infertility, meiosis, research
A team of scientists led by University of Pennsylvania veterinary researchers have identified a gene, TEX11, located on the X chromosome, which when disrupted in mice renders the males sterile and reduces female fecundity. This is the first study of the genetic causes of infertility that links a particular sex chromosome meiosis-specific gene to sterility.
tags: clinic, fertility, infertility
Free Workshop For Infertility
Winthrop-University Hospital will offer a free workshop, "When Hope is Not Enough," for women and their partners who are frustrated in their efforts to have a baby. The program will be held on Monday, April 7, 2008, at 6:30 PM at Winthrop's Community Outreach Center, located at 101 Mineola Boulevard in Mineola.
Couples can learn how they can optimize their chances of conceiving a child from Linda Sung, MD, a specialist in Reproductive Endocrinology and In-fertility. Dr. Sung will discuss how infertility is defined, what couples can do about it, and the latest information on treatment options. "There are many treatments available for fertility, but it's important to individualize the treatment according to the needs of couple," she said. A question and answer period will be included in the lecture.
Parking and the entrance are in the rear of the building. Admission is free, but seating is limited; refreshments will be served. Reservations are required. To reserve your seat, please call 1-866-WINTHROP.
Winthrop is a member of Spirt of Women(r), a coalition of American hospitals and healthcare providers that ascribe to high standards of excellence in women's health, education and community outreach.
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