Women suffering from fallopian tube obstruction can increases their odds of becoming pregnant with acupuncture and herbs.
In a recent study, women with complete or partial fallopian tube blockage and unsuccessful in conceiving for up to eight years were assigned to an acupuncture-herb group or an acupuncture-only group. Group 1 received warm-needle acupuncture (moxa attached to needle handles and ignited after insertion) at MCA 18 (Zigong), CV 3 (Zhongji), CV 6 (Qihai), LI 4 (Hegu), SP 6 (Sanyinjiao), and KD 3 (Taixi).
Group 1 patients were treated with acupuncture for five consecutive days, followed by two rest days. Each menstrual cycle constituted one course, with treatment stopped during menstruation. Treatment was discontinued if a pregnancy test, administered after each course, was positive. Group 1 patients also received Tong Guan Tang, an herbal formula consisting of Huang Qi, Yi Mu Cao, Gui Zhi, Tao Ren, San Leng, Dang Gui, Chi Shao, Bai Jiang Cao, Hong Hua, Dan Pi, E Zhu, Chuan Xiong, Fu Ling, Lu Lu Tong and Gan Cao.
Group 2 patients received the herbal formula only. Both groups received the formula daily, three days after the last day of the menstrual period and skipped during menstruation. Treatment continued for up to three cycles unless a pregnancy test, administered after each menstrual cycle (one course) was positive.
At six months and one year, ovarian artery resistance index) and pulsatility index, complete blood viscosity and fibrinogen levels had all improved in both groups, but more in the first group. Pregnancy rates after one year were 14% (group 1) and 39% (group 2), suggesting both the herbal formula only, and particularly the formula plus acupuncture, are effective.
This study appeared in Shanxi Medical Journal. Click here for an English-language summary, which served as the basis for our article.
Over my almost 30 years in clinical practice, I have used Chai Hu Long Gu Mu Li Tang extensively for a wide array of clinical presentations ranging from chronic headaches to anxiety, insomnia, and prescription drug withdrawal symptoms if these situations fit the appropriate patterns – all with extremely positive clinical outcomes.
There’s no doubt that many of your patients visit your practice because they are in pain. And there’s certainly no doubt that curcumin from turmeric (Curcuma longa) can be incredibly effective in stopping that pain, whether due to chronic conditions like arthritis or acute pain from intensive workouts. But your patients may also benefit from curcumin for other reasons.
| Digital Exclusive
Low back pain is defined as pain the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS), and it can be acute or chronic, localized or radiating. It is a common ailment for adults in the United States, with a lifetime prevalence as high as 65-80%. Whether or not an MRI is available to provide definitive knowledge of a structural issue, acupuncture can be an effective treatment for low back pain.
| Digital Exclusive