Acupuncture has a positive effect on reducing stress in women experiencing infertility

One of the reasons people use acupuncture is to help them relax and to reduce stress.  A recent randomized controlled trial shows that acupuncture has a positive effect on reducing stress in women experiencing infertility.  The University of Western Sydney study also found that acupuncture created feelings of relaxation and improved the coping ability of women affected by infertility.  The women also reported a sense of pause and of taking a time out from stress and preoccupation with their fertility.

Recognizing Stress Contributors

Many situations can be stressors. Dealing with infertility is a unique stressor. The patient is faced with day to day reminders of their hope and desire for a child which can be emotionally and mentally overwhelming. Along with the psychological effects, the fertility patient also has physical strain put on the body as a result of medications taken to improve fertility (if they are choosing to use allopathic medicine).  Side effects of fertility medications may include headache, bloating, abdominal pain and pressure, mood swings, extreme fatigue, nausea, constipation, heart palpitations, dizziness, blurred vision and hot flashes.

How Stress Affects Fertility

The effect of stress on fertility is observable in additional ways.  Chronic stress causes sustained levels of cortisol and epinephrine.  High levels of these stress hormones can inhibit ovulation.  Sustained stress also effects blood circulation causing reduced blood flow to the uterus and ovaries.  Implantation may also be impaired as stress can alter the proteins needed to secure the embryo to the uterine wall.

Acupuncture Recommendations in the Treatment of Infertility

Unexplained infertility accounts for 30-40% of infertility cases. Chronic stress is considered an influence on those diagnosed with unexplained infertility.  Along with acupuncture’s ability to create a sense of ease, it improves circulation, supports ovulation and normalizes hormones.  These phenomena have a huge influence on our reproductive capacity.  For these reasons many Reproductive Endocrinologists (Physicians who specialize in the treatment of infertility) recommend acupuncture as an adjunct or in preparation for IUI’s, IVF cycles and medicated or non-medicated cycles.  I recommend coming to an Acupuncturist as soon as a couple notices difficulty in conceiving so that the acupuncture, herbs, and diet changes can be incorporated to prepare the body for conception with the common side effect of conceiving naturally.

Resources:
Smith CA, Ussher JM, Perz J, Carmady B, Lacey SD. J Altern Complement Med. 2011 Oct 6. [Epub ahead of print]
The Effect of Acupuncture on Psychosocial Outcomes for Women Experiencing Infertility: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. 1 Centre for Complementary Medicine Research, The University of Western Sydney , Sydney, Australia

Having a baby requires preparation.  Whether it’s painting the nursery, adding extra house chores, organizing the crib, clothing, bottles, getting those doctor’s and hair appointments in, there is quite a bit of preparatory action that goes into readying oneself and family for the arrival of the new baby (or babies!). 

Aside from taking childbirth classes such as Lamaze, Bradley method, etc. finding the time to physically, mentally and emotionally fortify oneself before delivery is quite helpful. Acupuncture is a modality to look to during this exciting time.

Receiving acupuncture treatments weekly for 6 weeks before anticipated delivery is beneficial in several ways.  Often women may be anxious or fearful of the process of labor and the birth.  Acupuncture serves as a refuge- a time and space to deeply clear the mind.  It releases endorphins which facilitate relaxation and ease physical discomfort as well.  There are specific acupuncture points used to prepare the uterus for labor.  In the case of breech presentation acupuncture and moxabustion are commonly used to turn the baby’s head downwards.  Acupuncture has also been used to facilitate prolonged or difficult labors.  Along with other holistic therapies, women may also use acupuncture to encourage labor to begin if the baby is past due.

There is much debate regarding whether red wine is beneficial for your health or not. The debate began with the observation that the French population has lower rates of heart disease compared to the American population, even though the French diet is higher in saturated fat consumption. This has been termed the “French Paradox”. The cause of this paradox is believed to be due to the higher consumption of red wine by the French. In the past 20 years, there have been many studies, including many animal studies, to investigate whether red wine is the main factor in this paradox. However, there have been very few human trials that have shown that there is a positive health benefit. More clinical trials are needed to explore these benefits.

Resveratrol is the main active ingredient in red wine that is thought to have cardiovascular health benefits. Resveratrol is found in the skin of red grapes, and also in blue berries and bilberries. Most supplement forms of resveratrol are made from the roots of Polygonum cuspidatum due to its high amounts of the active resveratrol. A 5oz glass of red wine contains about 0.3-1mg of resveratrol. The kind of grape also makes a difference, as Pinot noir has the highest amount of resveratrol. Grapes grown in warmer, dryer climates have less.

Many studies using mice have found that resveratrol has cardiovascular benefits including lowering LDL cholesterol and raising HDL cholesterol, preventing atherosclerosis, and blood thinning effects similar to aspirin. Resveratrol has also been found to be anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and estrogenic.

Resveratrol has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity. Since insulin is a fat promoting hormone, and insulin-resistance increases fat deposition, then increasing insulin sensitivity works to lower fat deposition and improve metabolic efficiency. Resveratrol also directly stimulates lipolysis and decreases the amount of fat cells.

Resveratrol also has very weak estrogenic effects. It is unknown whether this is protective or not, similar to other phytoestrogens such as soy, and is therefore not recommended as a supplement for those with hormone sensitive cancers.

In general, it is my recommendation that small amounts of red wine, not more than 1 glass daily, along with a balanced diet low in processed foods, can have an overall positive effect on all aspects of your health.

Recently there was a study published in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) that concluded that women need to exercise 1 hour per day 7 days per week  to MAINTAIN weight, let alone lose weight. I have since heard on multiple T.V. and radio broadcasts about the study, and the reaction from women has not been positive, for obvious reasons. Women lead very busy lives and finding the time for 1 hour of exercise every day sounds more like burden than anything else.  So I’m writing this blog to shed some light on this study, and to clarify what the study actually concluded.

The study was published by the Department of Medicine in Brigham and Women’s Hospital at Harvard Medical School. The group was comprised of 34,079 women with an average age of 54 years old over a 15 year period. The diet was described as a “usual” diet. Three groups were followed, those exercising less than 2.5 hours per week, those exercising 2.5 to 7 hours per week, and those exercising over 7 hours per week. The exercise was defined as moderate-intensity activity.

The study concluded that all women in the group gained an average of 5.7 pounds over a 15 year period. There were only slight differences in weight gain among the groups taken in 3 year intervals, about ¼ pound. And activity level correlated with successfully maintaining weight only for those with a Body Mass Index, or BMI, of less than 25, but not for those with a BMI of greater than 25 or 30.

 So what does all of this mean? There does not seem to be large enough differences in weight gain between the different exercise groups. And the only group who actually maintained weight, defined as <5 pounds over 15 years, were those who already had a normal BMI of less than 25.

 As far as exercise is concerned, some activity is better than no activity. So don’t feel that you need to exercise 1 hour per day every day to maintain your weight. Plus in this study moderate-intensity activity was defined as brisk walking, dancing, or gardening. Higher intensity exercises typically require less time, because they burn more calories. And we all know that the more weight loss equals calories in minus calories out. What I have found is that many of us are not exercising with enough intensity, and eating too many high calorie foods. So my recommendation is to find an activity you like to do (it doesn’t always mean going to the gym) like hiking, swimming, kayaking, golfing, biking, running, etc. and do it often. The more you enjoy your activity, the more likely you will actually do it

In my practice I have worked with a number of patients who have this diagnosis and are trying to conceive.  I chose to write about this topic because it’s a very common condition; and one which can be positively affected by Chinese medicine.    

The prevalence of PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is estimated at about 5%-10% of women who are seeking treatments for infertility.  This may be a small representation of the estimated 20% of the population actually effected by the disease. 

In Chinese medical theory PCOS is marked by a picture of “dampness.”   This occurs when fluids in the body are ineffectively synthesized and accumulate to form cysts.  As explained in western medicine, there is also a hyper-secretion of insulin and testosterone.  This gives rise to abnormal follicular development also characterized by anovulatory cycles. 

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are beneficial to those with PCOS in the following ways.
1. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can regulate the cycle.
2. Lifestyle changes based on concepts in Chinese medicine help manage weight and promote healthy eating habits.  This is so important because 30% – 50% of obese women with PCOS develop diabetes.
3. Acupuncture and herbs are known clinically to improve egg quality.

In Chinese medicine we focus much of our treatment protocol on the lifestyle changes patient make.  For PCOS, as mentioned above, diet is very important.  Common foods to avoid are those that promote dampness; these are dairy (especially cheese), refined sugar, excessive sweets, and greasy foods.  These will essentially promote weight gain and support the increase of excess insulin and testosterone in the body.

Omega-3 fatty acids help support health and healing in almost every cell in the body. Flax, a phyto-nutrient (plant nutrient) rich in Omega-3’s, is readily used by the body to naturally support healthy cells in the brain and heart. It is rich in both DHA and EPA.

Flax is one of the best sources of lignans. The lignan properties help the body to decrease inflammation and oxidative damage caused by stress, toxins, bacteria, viruses and cancer. So flax may help heal the effects of arthritis, cancer, skin damage (inside or outside the body), or immune system deficiencies.

Flax has a high fiber content so it keeps the bowels running smoothing and alleviates constipation. Notice what your skin looks like the next time you are constipated. Then try adding daily ground flax seeds to your diet. Drink at least 1-2 glasses of water a couple of times each day. Then notice: What happens to your skin? Your bowels? Flax has been used to help alleviate gastritis, enteritis and colon damage precipitated by chronic laxative use.

Flax forms a mucilage which supports a balanced blood sugar. It may decrease the risk for diabetes.

Flax helps to decrease total cholesterol and LDL ( “bad”) cholesterol, and is part of a regimen to lower the risk for atherosclerosis.

Why Flax is Great for Women

Flax is a phytoestrogen which means it is a plant that can support an estrogen and progesterone balance in the body. Flax is considered to be an “adaptogen” in that it knows how to adapt to what the body needs in order for body and mind health to be at its best. In Dr. Christiane Northrup’s book, the Wisdom of Menopause, she notes that phytoestrogens do not tend to cause estrogenic tumors to grow. Instead, these smart plants bind to estrogen receptors and exert, potentially, an anti-cancer effect by limiting the overgrowth of cancer cells. For women, flax, through its adaptogenic effect, may help balance estrogen levels by wisely raising levels of estrogen when it is low or by lowering estrogen levels when it is too high. By consuming 1-2 tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseed on a daily basis a woman may be able to be “naturally” relieved of hot flashes, depression, anxiety, night sweats or other symptoms experienced by some women during menopause. Flax seed and flax oil are also used to help women alleviate difficult PMS.

And if that wasn’t good enough… There are no known adverse effects due to flax consumption.

Flax as food and medicine

Flax can be consumed as the freshly ground flax seed. The amount of flax seed in “flax bread” will probably be quite low. In an inexpensive coffee grinder just plunk in 1-2 tablespoons of flax seeds and grind away. Add the freshly ground meal to any vegetables, quinoa, oatmeal, yogurt, cereal, fruit, or just stir into a glass of water. Remember to drink plenty of water whenever ingesting a high-fiber food. The bowel needs the fluid to maximize the health effects of the fiber. One of my favorite breakfasts is: quinoa, flaxseeds, soy lecithin, a cut up fig, and almond milk. It’s so tasty and full of pH balancing (alkalizing) foods to help decrease oxidative stress and inflammation.

You can also take 1-2 tablespoons of flax oil daily. However, you will not get the fiber that the ground seeds offer. You will still receive the benefit of the Omega-3 fatty acids and other body balancing/healing properties. So why not use a little of both?! Make sure to keep your flax oil in the refrigerator and occasionally check to make sure it hasn’t gone rancid. Flax oil may also be taken in capsule form. You can take up to 1,000 mg a day.

Enjoy!

I will be sharing more natural holistic therapies like these at the Women’s Wellness Week at OMEGA Institute in June and again in September, 2009. For more information go to www.eomega.org