Menstrual illnesses can involve many types of bleeding. There is normal healthy bleeding during menstruation, but then there is abnormal bleeding, which can be anything from profuse menstruation, long menstruation, early menstruation, bleeding after menstruation, continuous dripping after menstruation, ovulation bleeding, mid-cycle bleeding, bleeding before menstruation and luteal phase bleeding. These bleeding illnesses are called Beng Lou in Chinese medicine, which means Flooding and Trickling. Many factors may contribute to the menstrual illness, and in order to determine the root cause, the Acupuncture Physician will ask questions about the specific characteristics of the bleeding ... [Continue Reading]
Using BBT Chart to Promote Fertility
The basal body temperature (BBT) chart records the temperature of the woman’s body upon waking. It is called “basal” because it is measured at a time when the body is rested and the body’s metabolism and temperature is at its baseline. Recording the body’s temperature each morning, and watching the secretions of the cervix, and then charting these observations will, over time, build an individual profile, which is extremely informative. To start, all that is needed is a thermometer, a chart and a good night’s sleep (at least 4-5 unbroken hours). For those women who are having a regular menstrual cycle, Day 1 of the cycle starts with the first day of their period. It is ideal to ... [Continue Reading]
Acupuncture and Low Back Pain
Low back pain is an extremely common concern, affecting anywhere from 75 to 90 percent of people at some point in their lives. Low back pain is second only to the common cold as a cause of lost days at work and is one of the most common reasons to seek medical care, including acupuncture. In fact, one of the top reasons that people get acupuncture treatments is for low back pain. The Oriental Medicine Perspective of Low Back Pain In spite of the large number of pathological conditions that can give rise to low back pain, up to 85% of the cases are classified by Western physicians as 'non-specific'. When low back pain is looked at from an Oriental medicine perspective, it is seen as a ... [Continue Reading]
Acupuncture and Reproductive Health
Statistics show that one in five couples over the age of 30 have difficulty conceiving after one year of trying. Many of these couples turn to acupuncture and Oriental medicine for a safe, effective and natural solution to having a baby. Oriental medicine has a long history when it comes to enhancing fertility for both men and women. In fact, evidence that acupuncture and herbal medicine have been used to aid fertility can be found in early medical literature dating back to 3AD. Fertility treatments were first recorded by Zhang Zhong Jing, a famous physician from the Han Dynasty, in his discussion of diseases in women in the Jin Gui Yao Lue or Essentials of the Golden ... [Continue Reading]
Acupuncture in Pregnancy & Childbirth
Pregnancy is an amazing time in a woman's life. Many women report feeling healthier than they have ever felt before; however, the physical growth of the baby and changes in hormone levels can bring about pain, discomfort and a variety of health problems. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can provide a safe, effective alternative for many of the health complications that may arise before, during and after pregnancy. A growing number of women are choosing acupuncture to use throughout their pregnancy and as an optional treatment for an overdue or difficult labor. Planning for a Healthy Baby Healthy parents produce healthy babies. With acupuncture and Oriental medicine, parents can ... [Continue Reading]