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A Thoughtful Approach to Treatment
I.
Acupuncture
Since the introduction of acupuncture to the west in the 1970’s, here are a few ways the effectiveness of acupuncture has been explained in scientific terms:
Autonomic Nervous System Theory
Acupuncture stimulates the brain to release endogenous opioids, norepinephrine, acetylcholine which normalize the autonomic nervous system, promotes a relaxation response and reduces acute and chronic pain.
Neurotransmitter Theory
Acupuncture stimulates the brain to release the neurotransmitters of endorphins and enkephalins in the central nervous system influencing immune and pain response.
Blood Chemistry Theory
Acupuncture affects the blood concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, and phospholipids, suggesting acupuncture can both raise and diminish peripheral blood components, thereby regulating the body toward homeostasis.
Vascular Interstitial Theory
Acupuncture affects the electrical system of the body by enhancing closed circuit transport in connective tissue. This facilitates healing by allowing transfer of energy between normal and injured tissues.
Gate Control Theory
Acupuncture activates non-pain receptors that inhibit transmission of pain signals “gating” pain stimuli.
II.
Fertility Support
The journey to pregnancy and birth is deeply personal and often layered with hope, uncertainty and emotional weight. For people struggling to conceive or experiencing frequent miscarriages, acupuncture and herbal medicine offers safe and effective support to increase the likelihood of a successful and healthy conception, pregnancy, and birth. Whether you have chosen to seek assistance using medical fertility treatments like medication, surgery, IVF or IUI, or are invested in the natural and holistic route, acupuncture can be a powerful tool to manage stress and anxiety, encourage better outcomes, and generally improve health and wellbeing to create a more receptive environment for conception.
According to various studies acupuncture has been shown to be beneficial for increasing the clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate success of medical fertility treatments like IVF, compared to those without acupuncture intervention. Acupuncture treatment alone has also been shown to improve egg quality and endometrial lining quality by balancing reproductive hormones, increasing blood flow to ovaries, reducing stress, and regulating the menstrual cycle.
Did you know that it takes 100-120 days for a healthy follicle to develop? Most standard Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments recommend 3 months of treatment to ensure the highest egg quality and to address any underlying conditions like PCOS that may be affecting ovulation or implantation. Here at Mountain Heart Acupuncture, we practice TCM as integrative medicine and endeavor to offer care that feels supportive, informative and empowering.
We collaborate with your doctor whenever possible: tracking your body basal temperature and following lab results and hormone levels to create a treatment plan designed for optimal results. Teamwork makes the dream work!
I practice a specialized method that is widely used in China to balance the reproductive system via the Hypothalamic -Pituitary- Ovarian axis. This methodology can be used with both male and female patients and not only can assist with increasing the likelihood of fertility by balancing hormones, but can also be effective at addressing any endocrine disorders like Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or polyps or irregular cycles that may be an underlying cause of dysfunction.
III.
Cupping
What is it?
Maybe you’ve recently seen or heard about the famous Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps or other athletes that use cupping to improve their performance and decrease pain. Or maybe you’ve seen someone with dark circles on their upper shoulders or back?
Cupping is an ancient folk remedy originating in East Asia used to release chronically tight muscles and ease pain in the neck, back, and shoulders. Only recently has it come into the spotlight and become popular with health enthusiasts and athletes after they have tried it and been amazed at the benefits they’ve experienced.
It’s like a reverse massage. It uses negative pressure (suction) instead of positive pressure (traditional massage) to release lactic acid and bring new blood flow to muscles that have been wound and bound by tension. Diminishing pain, increasing all the benefits of circulation, and don’t forget those feel good endorphins everyone loves!
It also is a great way to stimulate immune function and clear congestion in the lungs. It can be very helpful to clear phlegm and mucus after an illness or assist in the detox process if you’re trying to quit smoking.
IV.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Before even acupuncture there was herbal medicine. There is approximately 5000 years of history to plant based Chinese medicine and an ocean of modern clinical research that shows the clinical effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbal formulas.
I was called to practice herbalism in my late teens and have since continued to be in deep respect of the healing power of plants and the wisdom of traditional medicine practices throughout the world. I have found Chinese herbal medicine to be incredibly thorough and effective at addressing illness however straightforward or complex the case may be. Instead of masking symptoms like most pharmaceuticals, Chinese herbal treatments simultaneously treat the symptoms and the root cause of the symptom. As a result we often see resolution of symptoms that were not initially thought to be related.
I prescribe most herbs in capsule, but sometimes I use a form called granules. All of the herbal product lines that I prescribe are rigorously tested for quality, purity, and safety.
I find that combining acupuncture and herbs together supercharges the effectiveness of any treatment plan, but every case is different. Depending on the circumstances, the treatment may rely more upon herbal medicine or acupuncture, or vise versa, but I typically advise both.
V.
Therapeutic Massage (Tui Na)
Therapeutic massage, or “Tui Na”, in TCM is one of the 8 branches of Chinese medicine. Tui Na which means “push”, and “grasp”, in Chinese and has close ties to the practice of martial arts in the east.
Before acupuncture developed, Tui Na was used to stimulate points and increase circulation through the meridians to treat internal disease as well as pain and injury.
Many great Asian physicians were also masters of martial arts, (another one of the 8 branches of Chinese medicine) and used Tui Na to treat their injuries and maintain health, strength and longevity. Herbal formulas created as liniments are often incorporated into Tui Na treatments to speed the healing process. Some TCM practitioners just use Tui Na as a complete form of healing – no needles, just hands elbows and forearms!
I have been practicing massage for more than 20 years. Although my style has changed much over the years I still incorporate therapeutic massage and Tui Na into my treatments as well as my diagnostic process.
IV.
Moxibustion (Moxa)
Moxibustion is a warming therapy that involves burning the herb mugwort near acupuncture points to stimulate circulation and strengthen the body’s energy. It is often used to support immune health, digestion, and reproductive wellness.
patient understanding
Getting the Most Out of Your Treatment
I.
Arrive Well-Prepared
Please arrive on time for your appointment. Avoid eating a large meal beforehand and wear loose, comfortable clothing so treatments can be performed easily.
II.
Communicate Openly
Share any questions or concerns with your acupuncturist. Open communication helps ensure your treatment plan reflects your needs and goals.
III.
Support Your Body
For at least six hours after your session, avoid overexertion, drugs, or alcohol so your body can fully respond to treatment.
IV.
Stay Consistent
Follow your treatment plan and keep your scheduled appointments. Each visit builds upon the last and supports lasting progress toward balance and wellbeing.
Your actions are an important part of your treatment plan. Focusing on your health and committing to supportive habits allows the body to heal more effectively. Together, you and your acupuncturist work to restore harmony and balance. Even after symptoms improve, acupuncture can help maintain wellness and prevent future imbalances. Over time, incorporating Chinese medicine into your life can help nurture your body, mind, and spirit.
Acupuncture is not an instant fix.
True healing takes time and dedication. Depending on your current health and symptoms, you could feel better right away, or you may need treatments for weeks, months, or years to achieve the results you want. Your acupuncturist can give you an idea of what to expect. With a little patience and an open mind, you’ll be on your way to health and vitality.
Acupuncture and TCM offer a safe and effective holistic health care system. This natural approach can both resolve symptoms and enhance your overall health.
By taking the right steps and planting the seeds of health, you are on the road to a healthier you!