Latest News

  • Chinese Herbal Medicine Female Infertility RESEARCH

    Researchers find Chinese Herbal Medicine more effective than modern medicine for Female Infertility

     

    A Systematic review suggests Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine to be more effective in the treatment of female infertility achieving on average a 60% pregnancy rate over 4 months compared with 30% achieved with standard western drug treatment, or IVF over 12 months.”

    In an Australian Government-funded study, Ried and Stuart of Adelaide University reviewed 8 RCT’s and 22 smaller studies involving a total of 1851 women with poor fertility. Meta-analysis of studies involving over 1000 women found roughly double the likelihood of achieving pregnancy with Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) than with western drug therapy. Over a 4 month period pregnancy rates were 60% for CHM verses 32% for drug treatment 9n=1005, odds ratio = 3.5, 95% confidence interval 2.3-5-2, p < 0.0001).

    Other studies, involving over 600 women, compared CHM with IVF and revealed a mean pregnancy rate for CHM of 50% compared with 30% for IVF. The Adelaide study also provided evidence indicating that herbal treatment tailored to the specific traditional diagnosis of what was wrong with each individual’s reproductive health was a key factor in successful treatment.
    The authors write: “Our meta-analyses suggest Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine to be more effective in the treatment of female infertility achieving on average a 60% pregnancy rate over 4 months compared with 30% achieved with standard western drug treatment, or IVF over 12 months.”

    To read the full research please refer to: Efficacy of Traditional CHM in the Management of Female Infertility: A Systematic Review. K Ried, K Stuart Complementary Therapies in Medicine  Vol 19 issue 6 Dec. 2011

    Share

    Read more

  • Reapeated Miscarriage Treatment – Journal Article

    Repeated miscarriage is often unexplained by Western science.  Maria Berry our Infertility Specialist here explains how Chinese Medicine treats this condition. We are happy to announce this family now have a beautiful baby boy.  

    Click the link below to read her recently published article about repeated miscarriage.

    Fertility article JCHM.dat 

    About the author: Maria Berry practises Chinese medicine in Ascot, Brisbane in Australia. TCM is the enduring love of her life. They met during her Asian travels before medical school. She changed her study plans and has pursued her passion over three continents. In return she has been motivated, inspired, nourished and obliged to acquire diplomas. Maria has a Bachelor Degree in Acupuncture and another in Chinese, she also has a Master’s degree in Chinese Herbal Medicine.

    Share

    Read more

  • Male Sexual Dysfunction In Chinese Medicine Terms ARTICLE

    Male Sexual Dysfunction

    By Will Maclean, LAc

    As may be judged by the success of Viagra and the increasingly numerous advertisements for various pills, potions and lotions designed to enhance male sexual performance, all is not well in the bedchambers of the world.

    Male sexual dysfunction incorporates a variety of performance and erectile difficulties, from premature ejaculation, loss of libido, inability to sustain an erection to complete inability to get an erection at all. The modern thinking on these issues tends to focus on the mechanical and hydraulic aspects of the erection process, in particular the integrity of penile macro and micro circulation. While unquestionably important and effective for many men, the pharmacological focus on the penis neglects the systemic aspects of erectile dysfunction. Over time, the effectiveness of modern pharmacological treatments diminishes, or becomes inconvenient, and the patients underlying condition continues to deteriorate. This is where the Chinese medicine approach becomes so valuable. The ability to reproduce and have an active sexual life is a function of general health and vitality. Chinese medicines aim in the treatment of male sexual dysfunction is to focus on promoting the systemic elements of health that enable a healthy sexual response. As the patients’ health improves overall, all functions, including sexual function, improve.

    In TCM terms, the ability to get and sustain an erection (and to reproduce as well as the desire to reproduce) is primarily the responsibility of the Kidney and the Liver. Kidney yang controls the functional aspect of an erection and Kidney jing, the ability to reproduce, while the Liver channel passes through the external genitals. Weakness of the Kidney reduces the physiological ‘Fire of desire’, while stagnation of Liver qi reduces the physical ability. If stagnation of Liver qi becomes chronic it frequently leads to Blood stagnation as well.

    Male sexual function depends not only on sound physiological health but also on the psychological state. Thus, the emotional aspects of the Heart, Liver and Kidney systems can all influence sexual ability. Specifically, mental stress can obstruct the flow of Liver qi, which can have a very direct and dismal affect on the functioning of the ‘ancestral Tendon of the Liver’ (as the penis is sometimes known). Anxiety and extremes of emotion, which destabilize the Heart and the shen, can also play havoc with the ability to achieve and maintain an erection.

    There are five major patterns of male sexual dysfunction, each with characteristic etiology and clinical features. There is often an age pathology relationship. In young men with sexual dysfunction, anxiety states and directly transmitted Damp Heat predominate. In the thirties and forties, the stresses and demands of life contribute to Liver dysfunction and qi stagnation. As the forties progress into the fifties and beyond. Kidney deficiency states and Blood stagnation begin to become the main aspects.

    Damp Heat

    When Damp Heat accumulates in the pelvic basin, it ‘steams and softens’ the local structures, in this case, the penis. Damp Heat tends to occur as a result of diet, typically an excess of rich food and especially alcohol, or may follow an unresolved or sub-acute direct transmission of Damp Heat from a sexual partner. In both cases the features are similar and include an inability to get or maintain a full erection, excessive sweating around the scrotum and groin, and itching or pain in the genitals, heaviness and aching in the lower limbs, lethargy and afternoon fatigue, a greasy yellow posterior tongue coat and a slippery or soft pulse. When direct transmission of Damp Heat is responsible, there may be an occasional mucopurulent discharge from the urethra, or a history of genital herpes. Some men may exhibit a poor sperm count or low motility and anti-sperm antibodies. The ejaculate may be thick or congealed with retarded liquification.

    Treatment is aimed at clearing the Damp Heat from the body. In addition to appropriate changes in diet, there are a couple of formulae that will assist. These are selected on the basis of the relative degrees of Heat and Dampness. When the Heat is predominant, there will be clear signs of Heat and inflammation, such as redness in the genital area, red complexion, deep yellow tongue coat, irritability and restlessness at night. The solution is to clear the Damp Heat with Long Dan Xie Can Wan . This formula should only be used until the Heat aspects subside. When the Heat elements are muted, as commonly occurs in chronic cases, a formula that focuses on leaching out the Dampness is selected. The best one for this, and suitable for long-term use, is Bi Xie Sheng Shi Wan . This formula will not damage the Spleen (a potential iatrogenic complication of Long Dan Xie Can Wan ) and is very effective in eliminating deeply lodged Damp Heat from the genitals. Depending on the age of the patient and the longevity of the problem, 2-6 months of treatment is usually necessary.

    Damp Heat pathogens may occasionally be latent, that is, their manifestations are so muted as to be unnoticed. This commonly occurs in sexually active men who are in repeated contact with a low level pathogen. The Damp Heat goes unrecognized, but its prolonged presence in the pelvic basin causes a gradual change in the tissues of this area, in this case the prostate gland. Eventually there may be a vague perineal discomfort or urinary disturbance, or erectile difficulties. Because of the chronicity of this problem and the congesting nature of Damp Heat, the Damp Heat is eventually complicated by Blood stagnation. An excellent solution for long term prostatic swelling and erectile dysfunction from prostate swelling (chronic prostatitis) is Kai Kit Wan , also known as Prostate Gland Pills. This problem generally requires 3-9 months of therapy (best with prostatic massage) for satisfactory results.

    Liver qi stagnation

    This type of male sexual dysfunction is typically found in men stressed by overwork or facing emotional conflict such as a mid-life crisis. It is most common in men in their late thirties and forties. It is also seen in younger men or adolescents overwrought with sexual anxiety or frustration. The poor distribution of qi and Blood is especially noted in the extremities, here the penis, which does not receive its necessary share. The main features are an inability to get or sustain an erection or loss of libido. The patient appears stressed and irritable, or depressed, and complains of various vague aches and pains. There will often be digestive complaints and a general feeling of fatigue and lethargy that are improved with exercise or activity. The tongue is often unremarkable, or may appear dark or dull rather than a healthy pink.

    The solution is to alleviate stress levels with relaxation, exercise, meditation or a change of circumstance. Formulae that can assist in promoting qi flow include the old favorite Xiao Yao Wan. This is especially useful when there is a degree of Blood deficiency, a common complicating feature. For younger or more robust patients with little or no deficiency, Chai Hu Shu Can Wan works well.

    Blood stagnation

    Blood stagnation is the pattern that modern pharmacotherapy treats. Viagra works by dilating the penile musculature enabling blood to enter the penis. In almost all cases where Blood stagnation is the main cause, the Blood stagnation is a systemic problem, not simply isolated in the penis. The erectile dysfunction is simply the manifestation. The exception is when a localized trauma or surgery is responsible. The most common etiology of this type of erectile dysfunction is chronic stress and thus Liver qi stagnation. The main features are inability to get an erection, or if an erection is achieved, it is rather feeble or flaccid. Many signs and symptoms are possible, but the ones that point to Blood stagnation as the main feature are vascular abnormalities on the lower extremities or genitals (varicosities, spider naevii, purple congested veins around the medial malleolus and medial knees), skin discoloration of the lower limbs and genitals (brown or purple patches), pressure pain on the acupoint Stomach 27 (left side), a history of cardiovascular disease and a purple blotchy tongue with dark and distended sub lingual veins. These patients may suffer chronic depression and sleep disturbances.

    The treatment is to gradually improve the systemic movement of qi and Blood. The best formula to achieve this is Xue Fu Zhu Yu Wan, an excellent broad acting general Blood stagnation eliminator. Treatment is lengthy, with a minimum of 6-9 months required to effect change, and often longer for a solid result. Modern pharmacological support may be used to enhance erections in the short term, but gradually patients find they begin to have spontaneous erections, have firmer erections or wake with erections in the morning. This approach must be used with caution however, in patients on anti-coagulant therapy, especially coumadin (Warfarin) but also aspirin and other NSAIDs.

    Kidney deficiency

    Kidney deficiency is an important cause of erectile dysfunction, loss of libido and male infertility, and can involve jing, yang, yin or a combination thereof. Depending on the tendency to yin or yang deficiency the manifestations and solutions are quite different. The Kidneys, being the basis of constitutional health as well as the basis of the ability to reproduce, have received a great deal of attention over the centuries. In China many men, especially over the age of forty, routinely take a Kidney supplementing formula of some type to maintain health and longevity. Over the centuries hundreds of formulations have been created to keep the Kidneys strong. The ability to maintain an active sex life is taken as a sign that Kidney function is basically sound.

    Of the two main types of Kidney weakness, yang and yin, a tendency to yang deficiency is generally more common. Because yin and yang are so intimately associated however, deficiency of one invariable involves a degree of deficiency of the other. When both yin and yang are significantly weakened, the result is termed jing deficiency. Chinese medicine provides excellent solutions to all of these weaknesses, when combined with appropriate life style measures.

    Kidney yang is the basis of the ‘Fire of desire’ and provides the mechanical power to lift an erection in the first place. Kidney yang deficiency sexual dysfunction can manifest in several ways. In the early stages loss of libido is common as the Fire is dampened down. This is often the first sign of incipient yang deficiency, in the absence of other contributing factors, such as boredom. As the deficiency develops, true impotence intervenes. Patients with yang deficiency are often infertile as well, with low sperm counts and poor sperm motility. Their ejaculate tends to be thin and watery. Yang deficient individuals are characterized by a tendency to coldness and wetness. They are easily fatigued, cold intolerant, and tend to retain fluid, or have urinary disturbances of some kind. The most common are nocturnal or frequent urination, however if there is a tendency to edema the urine may be scant and infrequent. They complain about being too tired for sex. The tongue is pale and swollen, usually with tooth marks on the edges. Remember that there are many degrees of deficiency, and in the early stages, the sexual dysfunction may be the only clue as to the nature of the problem, especially in younger men. As the condition progresses, and commonly in older men, the more classical features appear.

    Depending on the nature and extent of the deficiency, there are several solutions. My favorite, and one suitable for most mild and relatively uncomplicated cases is You Gui Wan . This well-balanced formula is also suitable for general maintenance of healthy Kidney function for otherwise healthy men over forty. When urinary symptoms are a feature (nocturia, frequency) Ba Ji Yin Yang Wan is excellent. It is quite a warming formula, and contains the specific impotence herb Epimedium (‘horny goat weed’). When cold intolerance and cold extremities is a main feature, the very warm fin Cui Shen Qi Wan is suitable to rekindle Kidney Fire. When the sperm count is low or sperm motility an issue, combining one of the above formula with a daily dose of deer horn / Lu Rong often works wonders. Depending on the longevity of the condition, 6-9 months of therapy is usually required to warm and bolster Kidney yang.

    An additional feature to consider in patients with yang deficiency is the impact on the digestive process. In many cases Spleen yang will be weakened and the patient may find the Kidney tonic formulae difficult to digest leading to poor compliance. In such cases, a small dose (half to one third) of Li Zhong Wan in addition to the primary formula, will usually overcome this problem.

    Patients tending to yin deficiency often go off ‘half cocked’, and tend to suffer premature ejaculation. This is because of the general over stimulation that occurs as a result of the deficient Heat in the system. They may also find erections relatively easy to achieve but difficult to maintain, as there is little in the way of a foundation of Kidney energy for a persistent erection. There may be frequent desire for sex but an inability to initiate or maintain an erection, or there may be erotic dreams with spontaneous emission. There may also be increased numbers of abnormal sperm or low sperm count, a scanty ejaculate or insufficient liquefaction. In contrast to the yang deficiency type, these patients are characterized systemically by heat and dryness. The practitioner will first note the warm dry palm upon shaking hands. These patients often suffer from insomnia, tinnitus that is worse after sex, a tendency to dry skin, throat and mouth, possible constipation and in some cases night sweats. The tongue is typically red and dry.

    Kidney yin is damaged through overwork (especially while under stress); repeated late nights, shift work and insufficient sleep. Yin is also consumed by severe febrile diseases, insufficient hydration and, significantly, drug use. Stimulant drugs, such as cannabis, amphetamines, ecstasy and cocaine, seriously plunder and exhaust the yin. Inappropriate use of hot matured yang tonic herbs to improve sexual performance, such as red ginseng / Ben Shen and deer horn / Lu Rong , can also damage Kidney yin. Kidney yin deficiency type sexual dysfunction is relatively common (and becoming more common) in younger men (20s to 40s), as a result of such drug use.

    The solution is to gradually rebuild Kidney yin. This is often a slow process, and must be supported by changes in life style. The most important changes are more sleep, a yin nourishing diet, changes to work practice and less ejaculation. There are several variations of herbal support for Kidney yin, and these are based on the accompanying signs and symptoms. In mild cases, the famous Liu Wei Di Huang Wan or Zuo Gui Wan will do the job nicely. If the patient is quite hot, with night sweats, restlessness at night, vivid dreams, flushing and a tendency to easily overheat, Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan is suitable. When insomnia, palpitations and anxiety are a feature, possible with occasional mouth ulcers, Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan is excellent. When the Liver is involved (dry eyes, irritability, hot temper) Qi Ju Di Huang Wan Is the solution. If yin deficiency is complicated by qi stagnation, Yi Guan Jain Wan will help.

    Kidney yin can be reliably rebuilt if the therapy is maintained for sufficient time. Often 9-12 months of therapy are necessary for a satisfactory, long lasting result.

    Spleen and Heart deficiency

    This pattern is typically found in patients with anxiety states, performance anxiety and a general tendency to nervousness and timidity. As a subgroup of qi and Blood deficiency, patients with this pattern tend to be run down, pale and prone to physical and mental fatigue. The first sign the practitioner notes is often the clammy palm observed upon shaking hands. The patient may complain of inability to get or maintain an erection or to quickly lose an erection upon encounter with a sexual partner. The erectile dysfunction tends to be worse when fatigued. These patients are often physiologically sound, that is they are able to get erections during sleep or masturbation. Typically other shen disturbances are present – insomnia, palpitations, possibly panic attacks, nervousness, social awkwardness etc. The tongue is usually pale or pale on the edges.

    The solution is twofold. These patients usually benefit from some type of psychotherapy as there is often a relevant event or history that needs to be explored and untangled. Chinese medicine provided an invaluable physiological support to this process by supplementing the foundations of a healthy mental and physical response, the qi and Blood. Several formulae are suitable, depending on accompanying factors. The most commonly used is Gui Pi Wan , especially designed for this type of pattern. If there are signs of cold though, (cold intolerance, cold hands and feet, cold clans penis), Shi Quan Da Bu Wan may be more suitable. Ba Zhen Wan , while not often considered for men, is also useful as a general qi and Blood supplementing medicine.

    Patients of this type will sometimes be on restrictive diets, or be consuming insufficient protein to replenish Blood. They may need to eat more high quality protein (best in meat), in addition to the above-mentioned therapies.

    Share

    Read more

  • Knee Pain Case Story

    Knee Pain – Case Story

    A male in his thirties presented to the clinic with pain in both his knees. He was seeking out treatment to reduce pain and maintain joint health.

    Consultation

    On consultation it was discovered the pain was a dull constant ache which was worse on going up and down stairs. The pain started during his teenage years playing competitive football. He has had a left knee reconstruction five years ago and has very restricted movement.

    Diagnosis

    Repeated small trauma to the soft tissue around the knee from the friction, traction and impact of football has lead to overuse syndrome of the knee. Degenerative changes are starting to show. 

    Treatment

    Stacy applied acupuncture locally to both knees to increase the circulation of fluid and blood through the capsule and cartilage. Electro was placed on the left knee to break up old scar tissue and promote healing of muscle fibres. Massage was applied to all surrounding muscles that attach to the knee to loosen and soften.  A Chinese herbal liniment was given to the patient to use twice a day.

    The patient reported back to the clinic in 10 days and noted less pain for 5 days and increased flexibility in the left knee. The treatment was repeated and on follow up visit in 3 weeks the patient noted only very occasional pain. The patient now visits the clinic once a month for maintenance treatment and is pain free and able to lead an active lifestyle.

    Share

    Read more

  • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome & Infertility – CASE STORY

    This couple had a miscarriage followed by 8 years infertility. Tests diagnosed PCOS.  After 2 years of screening, drugs & tests plus 6 months of naturopathy they were no better.  In 3 months Chinese Medicine turned their health around and resolved their fertility.  Here is their story:

    Mrs White, 34yrs.  She had a miscarriage 8 years ago and no pregnancy since.

    A specialist fertility clinic screening showed her androgens were high, her FSH was high on the first days of her cycle and her ovaries had lots of cysts.  She was overweight.

    She was put on Metformin and recommended for insemination then IVF.

    Mr & Mrs White had decided to improve their health before attempting IVF.  They took herbal medicines prescribed by a naturpath who specialises in fertility while adopting a healthy eating and exercise regimen.  She also took Metformin and Elevit.  He also took Menovit. After 4 months neither felt any different and their tests showed no changes. 

    They contacted our clinic and were sent our temperature chart to complete before their first consult.

    Chinese Medicine Consult

    Mrs White has a a long cycle, her short bleed (when it comes) contains clots and stringy mucus. Pre-menses she has 2 weeks of aches and pains in groin.

    Her bowels are often loose, her abdomen bloated, she has low energy but if she drinks coffee her sleep is disturbed, she has frequent urination, especially at night.  She finds exercise very hard due to her fatigue and constant low back ache.  She cannot loose weight.  Her head often feels heavy and her thinking blurred. She has blocked and painful sinus which cause pain in her cheeks, nose and forehead.

    Her first temperature chart showed extremely low temperatures, she had no breast or vaginal secretion changes.

    Chinese medicine Analysis

    Mrs White’s body appears to be failing in processing her fluids so they are passing out of her as sloppy stools and frequent urination or pooling in areas and turning into sticky mucus.  Water metabolism is controlled by the Kidneys and the kidneys are controlled by the adrenal gland which also produces our sexual hormones. 

    Her back aches, her groin pain and her poor energy indicate her kidneys/adrenals are often straining to do their work. Her High FSH confirm her ovaries are resistant to selecting and ripening her eggs. 

    Chinese Diagnosis & Treatment Plan

    PCOS is defined as the inability to produce ripe eggs.  If male hormone fails to convert to female hormone then the eggs will not have their ripening agent. 

    In this case there are other signs or weakness in the Kidney/adrenal functions.

    Aim of treatment is to boost the functions of the Kidney and adrenals to promote fertility.

    She was given a formula mixed for her to take starting on the 4th day of her cycle and asked to come in for acupuncture on day 14 to encourage ovulation to occur.

    Cycle 1

    After one month of treatment her body temperature rose.  She did not have any back, sinus or groin pains and had more energy – enough that she began taking & enjoying daily walks.  She had a slight further rise in body temperature after acupuncture on day 16 then a small menstrual bleed after 32 days.

    Cycle 2

    Her temperatures improved further.  She lost 8Kg in weight and maintains all the health gains from previous month.  She noticed fertile mucus at days 13 & 14 and went on to bleed on day 28. Her bleed lasted 4 days.

    Cycle 3

    Her temperature raised further still into normal range.  She had a day 14 ovulation after 3 days fertile secretions.  Her breasts started to fill out on day 21 and on day 30 she got a positive pregnancy test.

    Mr & Mrs White were both surprised that the treatment had worked so fast – I worried that she may not have strengthened her hormones enough to avoid another miscarriage.

    After 2 weeks she was bleeding, just spotting every day, her energy was down and her back was aching.  I made up a formula of tonics – often given as food in China – to support her pregnancy.  As soon as she took the formula her bleeding stopped, her back pain resolved and her energy returned.  She continued the tonics throughout her first trimester.

    Share

    Read more

« Previous Entries
Web Design Brisbane & SEO - Matter Solutions