IVF Acupuncture FAQs

 IVF Acupuncture research can be confusing, with the majority of research previously focused on treatment applied only at the time of embryo transfer. That and varying information on forums and in conversations abounds.

More recent research now suggests most benefit is achieved with a higher “dose” of acupuncture prior to and during the IVF cycle.


So, what does this research suggest in terms of best practice IVF Acupuncture to optimise psychological and physiological benefits and when should I start?


1. Commencement

The evidence denotes that:

  • if you are going to use acupuncture it may be advisable for to have it before and during the stimulation phase of the IVF cycle.
  • it is useful for women to consider acupuncture treatment in the menstrual cycles before their IVF cycle, or before a frozen embryo transfer to improve the uterine lining.


2. How many sessions

The most recent Meta-analysis showed there is a relationship between the acupuncture treatment dose and pregnancy rate with higher dose acupuncture before embryo transfer showing a significant benefit and increased pregnancy rate.


In studies where more than three treatments were performed, the clinical pregnancy rate significantly improved (N=8 / n=1595, RR 1.50, 95% CI 1.18–1.90, P=0.001) (Smith 2019).


One 2015 study by Hullender showed that acupuncture administered to IVF patients at a dose of 9-12 treatments prior to embryo transfer is associated with more live births.


Further, Hullender analysed the outcomes of more than a thousand IVF cycles and found that women who used Chinese Medicine (acupuncture with or without herbs), had a higher live birth rate than those doing IVF alone.


How much higher?

The proportion of live births was 61.3% in the Chinese Medicine group and 48.2% in the usual IVF care group and 50.8% in the group having acupuncture only on day of Embryo transfer.


3. When should I book in?

  • Ideally, 1 month before your start your IVF cycle.

  • I advocate bi-weekly treatment for 4 weeks prior to IVF cycle and 2 weeks during stimulation cycle.

  • Electro-Acupuncture may be used during IVF stimulation and/or prior to Frozen embryo transfer.






4. Day of transfer acupuncture

Acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer has significant benefit for women who have increased stress levels or who have had multiple previous IVF cycles, or where there was a low baseline pregnancy rate expectation.


Continuing this approach in the two-week wait for test results is also helpful for these women to manage IVF related stress and anxiety.

  • Embryo Transfer acupuncture (ETA) is best done on the same day (or within 24 hours if on same day is not possible).

______________________________________________________


These recommendations have put together drawing on the most recent research findings (including a 2019 Meta-analysis, 2018 randomized controlled trials and 2016 Retrospective Cohort study).


These research-based recommendations aim to clarify:

  1. When to start acupuncture and how many Acupuncture treatments may be of benefit.

  2. Considerations surrounding Embryo Transfer Acupuncture (ETA) and acupuncture in the wait between embryo transfer and pregnancy blood test.

#acupuncture # IVF # conception




Two powerful Points to Boost Our Immune System

Looking for a natural way to boost your immune system? If you’re feeling stressed out, super busy, or you’re not getting enough sleep, this can make you more likely to get sick. Fortunately, your body has its own built-in system to keep you in balance.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are 12 primary energy pathways or channels running through your body. These channels influence your energy levels, mental clarity, digestion, overall health, emotions, and more. There are ways to “reboot” and strengthen the system to keep your body healthy and strong.


Two Powerful Immune-Boosting Points

Your body has two pressure points that help strengthen your body whenever you’re feeling run down and need a quick boost for your immune system. Practice these points daily—they take just 5 to 10 minutes to massage—and they’ll give your body a surge of qi (life force energy) to help keep colds and flus away during stressful times.

1. Chinese Reflexology Point for the Lung


The Lung reflexology point is an outstanding standalone point for boosting your Lung qi, which then helps to disperse the wei qi throughout your body to fortify your body’s protective barrier against germs.

2. Chinese Acupuncture Point: Stomach 36 – Zu San Li

                                             

This acupressure point is a classic that is commonly used by acupuncturists for treating patients for a wide range of conditions. This point is especially powerful for improving digestion and for boosting the immune system. It’s also used to treat a long list of conditions, including: stomach pain, hiccups, bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and mastitis.

11 Health Benefits of Reflexology and Foot Massage

The foot is believed to have specific reflex points,which under stimulation can help the body heal itself.Reflexology and foot massage are now commonly used in alternative medicine, as it is considered very safe and likely to benefit you.
Here's the list of 11 health benefits of reflexology and foot massage:

  • Improves Nerve Sensitivity.
  • Improves Energy Levels.
  • Improves Blood Circulation.
  • Helps Promote Sleep.
  • Improves Liver Function.
  • Treatment For Migraines and Headaches.
  • Reduce Symptoms of PMS.
  • Treatment Of Arthritis.
  • Useful For Depression and Anxiety.
  • Helps Reduce Swollen Feet.
  • Helps Control Blood Pressure.
Text Emily @ 647-230-2907 for your appointment.

Watching Emily's Reflexology Video No.1:

Reflexology Foot Massage for Boosting Kidney Function Improves Energy Levels and Reproductive system

Text Emily @ 647-230-2907 for your appointment.











 

GREAT NEWS! See Licensed TCM practitioners Herbalist Online Virtual Walk-In Clinic 多伦多中医师网络在线就诊及中药代煎配送服务

We has launched an online Virtual TCM Clinic. It allows patients see our licensed herbalist and Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner online from comfortable home, and have the  herbal medicine delivered to your home.  Call us at 416-800-3978 for details. or Book it online

For emergency please call 911 or hospital.


东方针灸中医诊所新推出网络在线就诊服务

在线看病服务

我们的中医师会在线通过问诊舌诊等来诊断病患的问题,从而避免前往诊所,长时间排队等候和接触病毒的风险。详情请拨打:416-800-3978 


在线配药及重要代煎及寄送服务

我们有代煎中药服务,或者用中药粉灌装成胶囊,然后直接把药寄送到你的住处。多伦多地区一般第二天即可送达。


网上诊所工作时间是周一至周五,上午9时至晚上8时。
 周六和周日上午10时至晚上6时。

如果是紧急病况,请拨打911求助

ACUPUNCTURE & REFLEXOLOGY FOR CHRONIC FATIGUE



It is estimated that over 50% of the Canadian population experiences chronic fatigue. The most common causes are stress, overwork, insomnia, depression, and various malfunctions in the major systems of the body (endocrine, cardiovascular, digestive, etc.) . There are many wonderful alternative treatment options that include acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, and exercise. Acupuncture tops the list because it tends to be so effective is supplementing the body’s energy.

ACUPUNCTURE 

The majority of patients who complain of fatigue suffer from a deficiency of vital energy (Qi). Qi is the basic energy that creates optimal physiological and neurological function. Aside from fatigue, other signs of Qi deficiency are diarrhea, pallor, easy bruising, excessive sleep (more than 9 hrs. a night), scanty menses or amenorrhea, frequent urination, low libido, and shortness of breath. The strategy of Chinese medicine is to identify a pattern of disharmony that reflects the entirety of one’s symptoms, pulse qualities, and tongue appearance.  We recommend weekly acupuncture treatments for 4-6 weeks, then assessing for progress. Combining with some herbs or reflexology is also available at Oriental Ensure Acupuncture & Massage Clinic

REFLEXOLOGY

10 Reasons to try Reflexology

3 Chinese Acupressure Points to Boost Your Energy Levels

HERBS 

Qi deficiency primarily affects 4 different organs: the spleen, kidney, heart, and lungs. Here are symptoms and herbal treatment options for each pattern:

Spleen: diarrhea, loose stools, bloating, bruising, fatigue, prolapse, laconic speech, internal cold
Herbal Formula: Bu zhong yi qi tang

Kidney: low back pain, low libido, fatigue, internal cold, frequent urination
Herbal Formula: Jin gui shen qi wan

Heart: restless sleep, worry, fatigue, heart palpitations, shortness of breath
Herbal Formula: Gui pi tang

Lung: chronic cough, weak immunity, allergies, fatigue, shortness of breath, asthma
Herbal formula: Bu fei tang

Adaptogenic herbs such as rhodiola rosea, ashwaganda, and ginseng may be helpful adjuncts .

SUPPLEMENTS 

B Complex: B vitamins are warming and energizing. They build Qi and blood.

Tyrosine: precursor to norepinephrine (often deficient in chronic fatigue)

5HTP: precursor to serotonin, for deeper sleep, weight loss, anxiety

Adrenosen by Health Concerns and Adrenotone by Designs for Health are both effective adrenal tonics for fatigue due to adrenal burnout.

EXERCISE 

20-30 minutes of exercise 4-5 times a week. At first, this may feel forced and difficult because you won’t want to exercise when you feel tired. After a few days, however, your body will begin to love the endorphin release and serotonin boost that exercise provides. Exercise alone can be a wonderful cure for fatigue. Your program should be a combination of cardiovascular and restorative exercise. Cardiovascular exercise involves running, biking, swimming, hiking, etc. Restorative exercise involves yoga, tai chi, or qi gong.

IDENTIFYING WHERE YOU LEAK YOUR ENERGY 

Many people with chronic fatigue can attribute this pattern to a central theme that is stealing their energy. Perhaps you are in a marriage that is not working or a job that feels stagnant. Maybe you have set your life up so that you never have time for yourself because you are too busy caring for others. Or maybe you have financial problems that make life feel burdensome. Low energy is often a sign that we are not in control of our life, whether it is in relationships, work, with our health or with our money. Set an intention to heal any area of your life that is spiraling out of control and that feels toxic to you.

There are many wonderful treatment options for chronic fatigue. This article is not intended to cover this issue in its entirety, as there can certainly be other factors involved in fatigue (immune dysfunction, low level pathogenic influences, etc.) The key is to be proactive in treating this condition.


Or Call Oriental Acupuncture Clinic today 
at 416-800-3978 to set up your first appointment!

Healing from the root, 
beyond treating symptoms.
So you can experience 
greater health and well-being!

Ancient Chinese Aromatic Herbal Sachet for this special season

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, occurs on the 5th day of the 5th month of the traditional lunar calendar.
The focus of most celebrations involves eating zongzi (sticky rice/glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves), drinking realgar wine, and racing dragon boats. The sun is considered to be at its strongest around the time of summer solstice. Chinese people also have the aromatic herbal sachet to protect ourselves from the mosquitoes virus bugs in this special season.

Developed by Dekang master practitioner and Senior TCM researcher Wang, Guangbo and other assisting practitioners Dekang aromatic herbal sachets can be worn, placed at home or in your office. The scents emitted can help to stimulate the immune function and inhibit the invasion of viruses. 德康避瘟香囊,由德康医疗(加拿大)与德康(北京)中医研究院各位著名专家,根据中国国家卫健委推荐方案,结合当下的流感疫情特点研发而成。香囊采用天然药材精心搭配而成,选用药材均芳香除秽,清热解毒、祛风散湿,能刺激人体的神经系统,使人精神愉悦轻松。将之随身携带随时闻一闻,甚至把它做成小袋子放在床上、枕头边,香味能激发免疫功能,改变口鼻粘膜酸碱环境,抑制病毒入侵。
Ingredients(香囊成分):

Atractylodes rhizome (Cang Zhu), it has an anti-gastric ulcer effect, reduces blood sugar concentration, and has diuretic, anti-hypoxia, and vasodilator effects. It is compatible with other important herbal medicines and can kill a variety of cocci, bacilli and viruses.苍术,有抗胃溃疡的作用,亦能减低血糖浓度,还具有利尿、抗缺氧、扩张血管的作用。与艾叶等其他重要配伍对多种球菌、杆菌、病毒均有杀灭作用。

Eupatorium (Pei Lan),when fragrant and wet, refreshes the spleen, adjusts qi and blood, and enhances physical fitness. Pharmacological studies show that Eupatorium 's 100% water decoction has a test tube dilution method, which shows that it can inhibit a variety of bacilli and bacteria, and its volatile oil can also inhibit the influenza virus. 佩兰,芳香化湿,醒脾调中,亦可调气生血,增强体质。药理研究表明:佩兰100%水煎剂用试管稀释法,表明对多种杆菌、细菌均有抑制作用,其挥发油还对流感病毒有抑制作用。 
Tsaolco fruit (Cao Guo), it can strongly dries dampness and disperses cold, check malarial disorders, and Dissolves stagnation and distention for focal distention and nausea due to cold from deficiency of the Spleen and Stomach. It shows anti-quorum sensing and anti-biofilm activity on Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive), Salmonella Typhimurium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram negative). (Wikipedia) 草果,具有强燥湿散寒之功效,能治疗疟疾,并能消除因脾胃虚寒而引起的局灶性胀气、反胃等症状。金黄色葡萄球菌(革兰氏阳性)、斑疹伤寒沙门氏菌和铜绿假单胞菌(革兰氏阴性)具有抗群体感应和生物膜活性。(维基百科)
Patchouli (HuoXiang), its extract can expand microvessels and its volatile oils can enhance digestion and preservation. When used with decoction and ethanol infusion it can inhibit a variety of fungi. 藿香,其提取物能够扩张微血管;挥发油可以增强消化力及防腐;煎剂、乙醇浸液对多种毛菌、真菌有明显抑制作用
Mugwort leaf (AiYe), it can relieve coughs, asthma, and reduce transaminase. It also has a certain inactivation effect on hepatitis B virus as well as anti-cancer effects. At the same time Artemisia lobata releases inhibitors of allergic mediators and plays a role in reducing several major links of rapid-type allergies.艾叶,可镇咳、平喘、祛痰;亦可降低转氨酶。艾叶熏蒸对乙肝病毒有一定的灭活作用,同时有抗癌功效。同时艾叶油不仅是过敏介质的拮抗剂,同时也是过敏介质的阻释剂,对速发型变态反应的几个主要环节都起作用。
Grassleaf sweetflag rhizome (Shi Chang Pu), it has a sedative, anticonvulsant, antiasthmatic, and antitussive effects, and can also increase coronary blood flow. In vitro experiments it has been shown that the iris has certain antibacterial effects. At the same time, Shichangpu decoction can promote the secretion of digestive juice and prevent abnormal fermentation of the gastrointestinal tract. 石菖蒲,具有镇静、抗惊厥、平喘、镇咳等作用,亦可增加冠脉血流量。体外实验表明石菖蒲有一定的抗菌作用。同时石菖蒲煎剂能促进消化液的分泌及制止胃肠异常发酵。

Book online with our registered herbalist for the herbal medicine for different kind of  health conditions. 



WE ARE BACK WITH SOME CHANGES IN OUR CLINIC

We are gradually re-opening our clinics. 
By following government guidance,our therapists are looking forward to providing treatments to help with your anxiety, stress, muscle stiffness,soreness and general pain symptoms or other chronic diseases by acupuncture,massage and herbal medicine.
We also wanted to let you know that, while we were closed, we have been reviewing and enhancing our sanitation and in-clinic procedures to ensure that your therapist can treat you, and you can be treated, in a safe environment.
All our new policies and procedures meet the standards described by local and national regulatory bodies.
To give you an idea of our enhanced procedures:

  • Our clinic has been deep cleaned and sanitized.
  • Hand sanitizers are set up at the entrance and the front desk,also in each treatment rooms.
  • We have implemented rotational sanitation procedures for all common surfaces, multiple times throughout the day
  • Treatment rooms are fully sanitized, and all linens/blankets etc are replaced, after each treatment.
  • Our therapists and team members will wear masks and gloves.
  • We are practicing physical distance in the common areas of the clinic (reception / hallways)
  • We prefer the payment by eTransfer payment for now , in order to limit the spread of COVID-19 or other virus.
We will also be pre-screening clients and staff, including a temperature check, upon entry to the clinic to make sure they do not feel unwell/have no symptoms of COVID.

And, as always, it’s easy to book your next treatment; just click on the button below to secure your treatment time/day!

Read on for answers to frequently asked questions regarding COVID-19