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.
As modern medical standardization continues, the field of traditional Chinese medicine has the advantage of comprehensive personalization. For rare or complex cases, deeper consideration of constitution is invaluable. Proper constitutional assessment, especially with first-time clients, can guide desirable and predictable outcomes. This leads to a higher rate of return, and greater trust between you and your patient.
Though the creation of a financially sustainable, health-promoting model feels far away today, we are casting a vision for a full return on health, believing that this compels us to keep one foot firmly rooted in caring for the sick and the other foot firmly founded in maintaining health. Shifting from a fee-for-service model to value-based care using a phased approach is paramount.
Laser therapy has emerged as a powerful tool in the realm of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This new modality fits beautifully into the toolbox of the modern acupuncturist, as it can be used as a hybrid form of stimulation to acupuncture points, meridians, organs, nerves, and symptomatic areas in a new way that blends both moxa and energetic needle-like responses.
