It takes two: baby!

The infertility rate here in Australia is estimated to be one in six couples.However, the focus on fertility treatments always seems to be skewed towards treating the female. Marketing of fertility treatments seems to be directed at women, reminding them that the clock is ticking. Even in IVF, a lot of stress is placed on the woman to follow strict schedules. Somewhere along the line, it is forgotten that men too play an equally important role in conception.

Holistic fertility treatments focus on both man and woman, never assuming that the inability to conceive is merely due to a woman’s age or egg production alone. Studies are showing the increasing effect of the male on all conception, embryonic/foetal/infant health and pregnancy issues.

It takes between 80-116 days for a single sperm to be created. Going through five cycles of six stages, it is this 3-4 month period before ejaculation where the sperm is susceptible to many threats, before it even takes the journey towards (possible) conception in the uterus of the woman. Because they are smaller and more exposed to environmental factors, sperm are indeed more vulnerable than eggs.

Of the known causes of male infertility, the most common (affecting some 66% of cases) is issues with production. The usual causes are factors such as heat, pressure, infections, genetic problems, exposure to drugs, chemicals, or radiation, age, testicular torsion, undescended testes, or previous vasectomy. 15% of cases are due to blockage of tubes (ejaculatory problems), and the third most common aetiology is anti-sperm antibodies which attack the sperm whilst in the uterus. Less than 1% of infertility cases are due to sexual problems, which are usually secondary to illnesses such as diabetes, pelvic/prostate surgery, nerve damage from spinal cord injury, anti-depressants and anti-hypertension medication, infrequent intercourse, or age.

Pre-conception health-care for males is therefore essential, especially during the 3-4 months where sperm is being created. The factors leading to male infertility need to be identified, and then appropriate diet/lifestyle changes and treatment need to continue throughout this period. Potential dads need to re-consider how they lead their lives and how they treat themselves and their bodies, as their health can impact the health of their offspring. Leukemia, asthma, respiratory disease, mental development/disease have all been linked to the health of the father and his sperm.

Healthy sperm should ideally have a concentration of at least 100 million/ml. Motility should be at least 75%, and normal morphology rates of no less than 30% are considered acceptable for natural conception. In the past few years, the details of what is considered acceptable sperm for making the next generation have been significantly revised downwards. Many laboratories now consider 5 million sperm, 45% motility and 97% abnormally formed sperm to be acceptable.

In Chinese Medicine, there are several physiological factors that must come together to enable a man to be fertile. There must be adequate life-essence, this is reflected in a general robustness and vitality, good quality hair that isn't greying, strong nails, no sweating at night or sticking feet outside of the doona, no reflux meds or asthma medication. The "gate of vitality" in the lower abdomen must be warm enough to power spermatogenesis, this will show in a strong lower back that doesn't ache, good circulation, hands and feet that don't get cold, and a good strong libido. Liver energy must be free-flowing and Kidney energy must be abundant enough to promote healthy sperm production and maintain normal ejaculation. When the Liver and Kidney are functioning well there will be a moderate temperament without anger, good vitality, clear eyes without dark circles or puffiness underneath. A man must also have adequate vitality and general nutrition, to promote the quality and liveliness of his sperm which contain a blueprint that gives his offspring the best foundation to life possible.

If prostate issues are suspected, or there is a blockage interfering with normal ejaculation, Chinese Medicine looks for "phlegm" or "blood stasis", which tend to obstruct the seminal pathways and allow normal ejaculation. Issues that damage or interfere with the normal shape of the sperm (morphology) are often classified as "damp-heat" or "heat-toxins". These can be present in the body due to exposure to toxins, chemicals, radiation, infections and STD’s. Checking the semen for Human Papilloma virus (HPV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), human herpes virus type-6 (HHV-6), Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis-B, and Chlamydia trachomatis can be useful; at the sub-clinical level, there may be no visible signs or symtpoms, but the DNA of these viruses will show up in the semen.

Of course, there are other factors which we would also look at addressing, such as the physiological factors involved when men are over-weight or suffering from obesity. When there are prostate issues, these presenting patterns usually combine also to create infertility, as would any of the patterns involved with more psycho-emotional conditions involving low libido, erectile dysfunction, or other issues related to performance. Psychological and emotional wellbeing is also important, as how we as men feel will also affect our partners’ moods, thus affecting the deep connection which also is important in the act of conception.

In treating male infertility, both acupuncture/moxibustion and Chinese herbal medicine can be of great benefit. However it also vital to look at one’s diet, and make the appropriate modifications, depending in the individual. Antioxidants such as zinc, folate, vitamins E & C, and beta-carotene have been found to be useful to improve fertility; these are best taken in supplement form, the therapeutic levels required to achieve positive changes in sperm often exceed what is possible in a normal diet.

Lifestyle issues also need to be taken into account with appropriate modifications, such as reducing the exposure of the scrotum to heat due to tight and synthetic-fibre underwear, hot baths, and so on. The ancient Chinese also knew that maintaining regular - but not excessive - sexual activity is important, as it ensures the free-flow of "Qi" (energy), "Blood", and "Essence", thus maintaining fertility. Psychological and emotional wellbeing is also important, as how we as men feel will also affect our partners’ moods, thus affecting the deep connection which also is important in the act of conception.

Overall, a holistic approach is best and involves utilising modern testing methods with ancient Chinese treatments and augmentation practices such as diet, lifestyle, and Qigong.

High Testosterone in women - it's more common than you think.

High testosterone levels in women are one of the leading causes of a range of conditions - the most prevalent and commonly diagnosed is PCOS. We have a large number of women attend our clinic with a diagnosis of PCOS, majority of them have never been told about the possibilities of what might cause their condition, that their condition is not necessarily permanent, and that there are things they can do on a daily basis that can change the course of their disease and improve their symptoms.

A range of underlying abnormalities lead to PCOS, infertility, abnormal menstrual cycles, hormonal acne, including:

• insulin resistance, often secondary to obesity
• elevated hormonal androgens, primarily testosterone
• lowered progesterone levels causing erratic ovulation.   

Signs of high tesosterone in women:

• darker hair growth on the body
• hair growth on face and bellow the belly button
• acne that appears on the face the same time every month

High testosterone is commonly found in the average city-dwelling under-the-pump working woman.

Treatment for the symptoms of high testosterone can vary according to the problem you report to your doctor. Treatments can range from:

• oral contraceptive medications to control hormonal acne
• clomiphene tablets to aid in ovulation for fertility issues/PCOS

Clomiphene tablets maybe combined with steroid tablets to suppress androgen production - most often in women who are wanting to conceive. However this does not address the underlying issue, and is unfortunately associated with an increased rate of miscarriage if conception does occur. Forcing ovulation with clomiphene is not useful for all women, and can cause damage to your fertility if it is not suitable for you.
To check your testosterone levels (and other hormones) you must see the free amount of hormone circulating in your body, this is done via saliva testing. The causes of elevated testosterone are:

• A high sugar and carbohydrate diet
• Ovarian and adrenal dysfunction
• Your body converts too much hormone precursors into testosterone (excess aromatisation)
• Impaired liver detoxification function
• Supplementation with testosterone
• Low sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)
• Increased stress
• Insulin resistance
• Low thyroid function (TSH should be between 0.5 – 2)

Obesity and PCOS
Women who are obese may be predisposed to PCOS and elevated testosterone.  Fatty tissue produces oestrogen and stores oestrogen, leading to hormonal imbalances that affect the development and ripening of immature follicles within the ovary. Fatty tissue also secretes excess androgens leading to many of the masculine signs and symptoms of PCOS (eg facial hair).  Thus weight loss and control for those with weight issues is a must, especially if weight is carried around the abdomen.

Researchers describe ‘belly fat’ an active "organ", one that churns out hormones and inflammatory substances. ‘Abdominal fat is thought to break down easily into fatty acids, which flow directly into the liver and into muscle’ according to Lewis Kuller MD DPH, professor and past chair of epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health.
The increase in hormone production and inflammatory substances produced in the abdominal fat lead to overworking the liver and reducing the effectiveness of hormonal clearance. In a cascade of endocrine effects, insulin becomes less effective in controlling blood sugar, insulin resistance can sets in, and here we have yet another cause of PCOS (see earlier post on PCOS).

Blood Sugar Levels and Testosterone

Type II diabetes OR high sugar intake in diet causes insulin resistance and is a major cause of PCOS. Type II diabetes is controlled with drugs like Metformin, or as studies have shown, a low carbohydrate combined with exercise is as effective but without the side effects of medication. A low GI sugar free diet is a must for anyone with PCOS symptoms. The close relationship between insulin resistance and diet control is a number one priority for anyone wanting to cure themselves of high testosterone or PCOS.  Insulin up-regulates the production of testosterone, and high blood sugar levels present in "carbohydrate specialists" who are eating muesli for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, fruit for snacks and pasta for dinner, are a big part of the problem for most women with hormonal imbalance.

Other factors that impact on insulin are low levels of magnesium, high carbohydrate and sugar intake, coffee and smoking.

The role of the liver
Dysfunctional liver detoxification pathways also contribute to hormonal imbalances in women, leading to acne, anovulation and PCOS. The liver is responsible for clearing built up hormones in the body, especially via the sulphation and glucoronidation pathways. When the liver is overloaded with the use of alcohol, caffeine, pharmaceutical or non-pharmaceutical drugs, the clearance of elevated stress hormone, environmental toxins, cleaning agents, aerosolized paints, thinners, or under attack by viral hepatitis, then the liver is unable to clear hormones from the blood stream. Estrogen and testosterone levels then build up. 

The treatment for a stressed liver is stress reduction, gut detox and liver detox. Look over the blog on stress (http://bit.ly/lxCh9o) to see that stress is not just physiological, and all stressors must be removed or reduced. Speak to a healthcare practitioner to guide you through a gut and liver detox (which may also aid in weight loss). Bacterial, yeast build up or parasites in the bowel prevent toxin and hormonal clearance from the body. The gut should always be checked for the presence of any of these problems and be addressed before commencing a liver detox, otherwise toxins and hormones are unable to be effectively cleared from the body and re-enter circulation.

Other Causes of PCOS
An Adrenal gland dysfunction, Chronic high stress levels or an adrenal tumor – Imbalanced levels of the stress hormone cortisol and sex hormone DHEA, both secreted from the adrenal glands create stress in the body which impacts on ovarian function, which causes PCOS.  Your diurnal variation of cortisol throughout the day can be tested at our clinic via a saliva test. Contact us for a referral for a saliva hormone testing kit.

Stress and PCOS
Stress, perhaps you may need to think about that one again…..Stress can not only cause ovarian dysfunction but cortisol can suck up our levels of progesterone, as progesterone is a precursor to make cortisol.  PCOS and the resulting lack of ovulation can be due to a lack of progesterone.

Low levels of Progesterone
The lack of progesterone is detected by the hypothalamus, which continues to try to stimulate the ovary by increasing its production of GnRH, which increases the pituitary production of FSH and LH. This stimulates the ovary to make more estrogen and androgens, which stimulates more follicles toward maturation. If these additional follicles are also unable to produce a matured ovum or make progesterone, the menstrual cycle is dominated by increased estrogen and androgen production without progesterone. This is the fundamental abnormality that creates PCOS. (Ref 5)

Progesterone can be supplemented with herbs and natural progesterone cream which we can write you a referral to get. Reduction of stress is paramount.


Low Sex Hormone Binding globulin
SHBG Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) or sex steroid-binding globulin (SSBG) binds to sex hormones, mostly to testosterone and estradiol. These hormones circulate in the bloodstream, bound mostly to SHBG and only a small fraction is unbound, or "free," and thus biologically active.  Thus,  SHBG inhibits the function of these hormones. (Ref 6 )

Causes of Low SHBG are: Use of the Oral Contraceptive Pill – OCP, Excess protein, alcohol, thyroid disease and excess soy consumption. (Ref 7)

Androstenediol can be taken to increase testosterone, as it converts directly into testosterone, and is used mostly by weight lifters to build strength and increase immunity.

Low thyroid Function
A poorly functioning thyroid gland affects adrenal gland function, and the liver's ability to detoxify testosterone via the sulphation and glucoronidation pathways. This leads to higher testosterone levels and lower SHBG, see above.

Pituitary dysfunction
This will lead to an abnormal secretion of other menstrual related hormones, causing anovulation, and a build up of follicles within the ovaries. This is the last call, and should be checked if all else fails.

Low levels of Magnesium
Recently, there are  reports about correlations between insulin resistance and deficiency of magnesium.  Some of mechanisms is when there is magnesium deficiency, magnesium fails to activate tyrosine kinase of insulin receptor and hyperinsulinemia stimulates magnesium excretion. It is expected that the exact mechanisms between insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and magnesium metabolism. (Ref 8)


Elevated Boron levels in the blood
Unknown to the vegetable of fruit consumer, toxic Boron levels are in soils derived from marine evaporites and marine argillaceous sediment, which can carry thourgh into the food we eat, unless eating organically.  The most important source is irrigation water, but others include wastes from surface mining, fly ash, and industrial chemicals (ref 9). Hair levels of iron, boron, calcium, and zinc are often concomitantly elevated with lead burden. Lead exposure includes welding, old leaded paint (chips/dust), drinking water, some fertilizers, industrial pollution, lead-glazed pottery, and newsprint. (Ref 10)
Boron's link with high testosterone is via its effects on decreasing serum magnesium serum which can impact on insulin resistance (Ref 7).

Elevated Copper 
Copper reduces adrenal and thyroid function, see above.
Medical conditions that may be associated with excess copper include: biliary obstruction (reduced ability to excrete Cu), liver disease (hepatitis or cirrhosis), and renal dysfunction. Symptoms associated with excess Cu accumulation are muscle and joint pain, depression, irritability, tremor, hemolytic anemia, learning disabilities, and behavioral disorders. See Dr Kaslow webpage on copper-zinc imbalances.
However, it is important first to rule out contamination from hair products and dyes, bleaches, swimming pool/hot tub water, and washing hair in acidic water carried through copper pipes. In the case of contamination from hair preparations, other elements (aluminum, silver, nickel, titanium) are usually also elevated.

Sources of excessive copper include contaminated food or drinking water, excessive Cu supplementation, and occupational or environmental exposures. Insufficient intake of competitively absorbed elements such as zinc or molybdenum can lead to, or worsen Cu excess.  (Ref 11)

Copper and Boron may be tested via hair mineral analysis, with a referral from our clinic.

Aromatises Inhibitors
Aromatise inhibitors (AIs) are a class of drugs used in the treatment of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and in post menopausal women

Anti-estrogen aromatase inhibitors offer their anti estrogenic effect by blocking the enzyme responsible for synthesizing or converting testosterone into estrogen via a process called aromatization. Thus their effect is to decrease estrogen and increase free testosterone and insulin growth factor levels in the body. 

I think I might have a problem with my testosterone levels
Although there are many causes for elevated testosterone, we can usually determine which cause is related to your symptoms quite quickly and effectively. At the Discover clinic we use clinically proven herbal and nutritional supplements to directly bring down testosterone levels, regulate insulin levels, treat thyroid imbalances, increase liver detoxification pathways and help clear heavy metal build up.  With the correct treatment, and sound advice on diet PCOS can be very well treated. PCOS is definitely not a life sentence.


References

4. 2007, ‘Risks of Belly Fat’, WebMD, viewed 7/7/11 - www.webmd.com/diet/risks-weight-around-waist-7/belly-risks?page=2
5. PCOS and Infertility viewed on the 27/10/11 at http://www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/progesterone.html
6. Wikipedia, viewed on the 27/10/11 at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex_hormone-binding_globulin
7.   ARL pathology, Healthscope Manual, pg 96
8. 2005,  Higashiura K, ‘Magnesium and insulin resistance’,  Clin Calcium. PUBMED, 2005 Feb;15(2):251-4. [Article in Japanese] Second Department of Internal Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine. PMID:15692165, [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
9.  Ross O, 1997,    Boron toxicity,      Plant and Soil, Chapter 12,  193: 181–198, CSIRO Land and Water, P.M.B., P.O. Aitkenvale, QLD 4814, Australia_, 2Water Management Research, Kluwer Academic Publishers. Printed in the Netherlands.
10. Jeremy E. Kaslow, MD, FACP, FACAAI Physician and Surgeon,  Lead, Found on  the 24/10/11 on the  Dr.Kaslow.com site  - http://www.drkaslow.com/html/hair_analysis.html
11. Viewed on the 27/10 11 at -http://www.drkaslow.com/html/hair_analysis.html

IVF & Fertility

Five of the seven rules froma Chinese Medical practitioners perspective:

STAY WARM – An old Chinese saying “You can not cook a bun in a cold oven”

Before and after the transfer, and throughout the pregnancy make sure that your feet are warm. According to Chinese medicine the essence that creates embryos comes from Kidney qi. The kidney meridian starts at the sole of the foot, so if we let the feet get cold then the cold travels up the channel and into the Kidneys, reducing their vitality. This also applies if your trying to conceive and through out your first trimester.

This means no bare feet on cold surfaces! Open toed shoes and wearing light shoes in colder months is also not appropriate. If your toes are cold, then you need to wear sox and appropriate shoes, even if that means wearing shoes rather than sandals in a Melbourne summer.

Before the transfer book in to see your Chinese doctor before the transfer, if this is not possible then take a warmed wheat bag or used a moxa stick on your lower abdomen and lower back before the transfer. Keep your lower abdomen and back warm, but not hot, especially throughout the first trimester. This means wearing clothes that cover your lower back and tummy, ie. tuck in your shirt, wear high waist pants or skirts or wear a home made kidney wrap, made from cloth or wool.


DON’T PUMP ENERGY AWAY FROM THE FETUS

No caffeine, this includes black teas like earl grey, English breakfast, green teas, coke and Pepsi, and of course no coffee! Caffine also reduces the body's absorption of iron. Decaf is full of chemicals so stay away from this also. 

There is minimal caffeine in white tea, and no caffeine in herbal teas, so enjoy these teas instead. If you are a heavy coffee drinker wean yourself off coffee over a 2 week period.

Relax. This means mentally and physically. Let go of your worries for today, do not worry about timelines or dead lines, and try to stay away from situations that make your frustrated or anxious.

Practice a light form of yoga, gentle Iyengar or Hatha yoga, and let your instructor know that you are trying to conceive and want to drop your stress levels.

High impact exercise is good in moderation, but not just before a transfer, and not during pregnancy as it raises Cortisol our stress hormone too much.


Good levels of Progesterone is important to hold a fertilized egg within the womb. Progesterone gets converted to Cortisol, so if you are stressed or exercising too much or too hard, then you are more likely to miscarry.

Energy that you expend outwards is energy that could be feeding another life inside of you. Take time to do things that make you relaxed, watch a movie, walk in the park, get a massage, get a facial ect.

GET REGULAR ACUPUNCTURE

In China, acupuncture is often daily for 7 days and then a few days break and then repeated again. Discover Chinese Medicine recommends acupuncture once to twice a week leading into an IVF. Come in for at least 10 treatments before your transfer, and try to fit this in 6 weeks before transfer if possible.

Women having IVF treatment can boost their chances of falling pregnant by 65 per cent simply by having acupuncture.
A review combining the results of seven previous studies has found that acupuncture also increases the chances of having an ongoing pregnancy (beyond 12 weeks from gestation) by 87 per cent - and nearly doubles the chance of a successful live birth, increasing that by 91 per cent. Ref 1  

Acupuncture can reduce Cortisol levels, balance hormones, and increase blood flow to the uterus. For more information about how acupuncture can help with fertility and IVF this website has many article links; visit http://www.acupunctureivf.com.au

MINERALS FOR A HEALTHY MIND AND BODY

Folate (folic acid) is very important during this time. So eat plenty of green, leafy vegetables like asparagus, spinach, kale, turnip greens, collard greens, beans, peas, etc. Also, there should be plenty of folic acid in your prenatal vitamin.

Calcium & magnesium citrate should also be in the pre natal vitamin supplement. To obtain good levels of calcium eat fish where the bones are eaten like sardines and consume dairy if possible. Black Beans, Nuts, pumpkin seeds and cooked spinach all contain magnesium.

Taking a supplement of iron is recommend if you iron stores are on the low side.   Good sources of iron include: lean beef and lamb, poultry, fish , eggs, chick peas, lentils, kidney and lima beans, green vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and spinach

Eating foods high in vitamin C will also help you to absorb iron if you consume them at the same time. Try drinking a glass of water with a quarter lemon when eating green vegetables or legumes.

A pro DHA can help with an “irritable uterus”, and also build good levels of essential fatty acids in your system, essential for baby’s brain and nervous system development.

Eat lots of fresh and organic foods when possible to increase the vitamin and mineral levels n your body.

To aid the Thyroid make sure iodine is part of you prenatal supplement.

HEALTHY THYROID

Undiagnosed, untreated or insufficiently treated thyroid conditions can endanger your pregnancy, increasing the risk of miscarriage, intrauterine growth retardation, pre-term labor, stillbirth, and cognitive problems/mental retardation in your child. Ref 2

Successful Fertility clinics often include thyroid testing as part of a fertility testing.  Undiagnosed and untreated thyroid problems can not only impact on fertility but also worsen pregnancy symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss, depression, and morning sickness.

Thyroid stimulating hormone - TSH is released from the pituitary gland, which is responsible via a feed back loop to control the levels of the active thyroid hormones released from the thyroid. If the active thyroid hormones are low then the pituitary asks the thyroid to work harder by releasing more TSH. If TSH is elevated, then this is an indication that you thyroid is underactive.

In America the healthy reference range for the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone- TSH is between 0.5 – 2. Australia’s reference range is between 0.5 – 4. This means that even when your TSH levels are at the higher end off ‘so called healthy’ in Australia, American physicians would be treating you. The Australian reference ranger has a larger leeway for underactive thyroids to be called ‘healthy’ thyroids. If you have seen a G.P about your thyroid in the past, and had a thyroid function test that came back within reference range, request to see your results again, if your TSH is above 2, and your not falling pregnant, you may need to boost thyroid function with vitamin, mineral and herbal supplementation before you start trying to conceive again.

References

1. A. Cresswell, ‘Fertility spike from acupuncture’ The Australian , Health editor, February 09, 2008.
2. .  M. Shomon ‘ Just When Can You Become Pregnant?’ Based on Information from the NIH, About.com Health's Disease and Condition, 2009. Viewed on the 14/10/11  thyroid.about.com/od/hormonepregnantmenopause1/a/fertility.htm

Dont R.I.C.E an injury, just R.C.E and later add some heat - Why Icing your lower Back can Damage your Energy Levels & Fertility.

Traditional Chinese (T.C) Doctors argue to not apply ice to an injury, unless it’s the head. T.C doctors spend much of their time removing cold from their patients to stop pain, increase digestion, kidney function, boost fertility and immunity. So when patients go an ice their bodies, the progress they are making in their health after a treatment from a Chinese doctor may actually start to regress.

When you look at how cold effects liquids, then think about what cold would do to your blood? When the blood becomes cold, the blood congeals, stopping nutrient supply to our injury. This is why a T.C. Doctor would never recommend icing any part of your body. Even an acute injury, in this instance you may want to apply the R.C.E principle, R.I.C.E with out the Ice. After 24 hours you may want to increase blood flow to an injured area. This will increase the nutrients that blood provides to an injury, you would actually apply heat.

Human beings are warm blooded.  This means our resting body temperature is around 36.6 degrees, if our kidney yang and thyroid are working properly that is. If we think about the homeopathic principle ‘like cures like’, then applying cold to an ‘injured’ warm blooded being could actually be counter productive.

T.C Doctors are also very carful in advising their patients to NEVER apply cold to the lower back, abdomen or sole of the foot. This denotes the area of the Kidney Organ and corresponding end point of the Kidney meridian. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the Kidneys are known as the “Root of Life”, this is because the life essence that we receive from our parents which denotes the health of our entire life resides in the Kidneys. Like every Organ the Kidneys have a Yin and Yang aspect, however the Kidneys Yin and Yang are the foundation of the Yin and Yang for the entire body. This means the body’s ability to regulate temperature, control fluids and water metabolism, energy levels, sexual vitality and fertility are all dependant on the regulation of the Kidneys Yin and Yang.

Yin and Yang are two opposite states which have the ability to transform into the other. Like Day to Night, female to male (all embryos’ starts as female), interior to exterior, cold to hot. The Yin in our bodies is cooling and moisturizing in nature, and the Yang, warming and moving in nature.  We can damage the Yin by over heating our bodies and can damage the Yang by allowing our body to become cold. This is especially so if we allow these extreme temperatures to effect the region of the Kidneys, the lower back and the lower abdomen.

This means the Kidneys are vulnerable to extreme temperature conditions, like applying Ice to the lower back, or letting the cold in by wearing short tops or low waisted jeans (watch this when cycling).  The Kidneys vitality are especially effected by cold as they are also known as the “Fire of the Gate of Vitality”, and when we loose that fire we loose the function of the Kidneys.

The Kidneys Yin and Yang are interdependent upon the other. Like an oil lamp, the Yin is the oil and the Yang is the flame. If the oil decreases the flame will decrease and visa versa. So by internally heating the body up with heating foods, heating pharmaceuticals, hot herbs, excessive sauna use including (Bikhram Yoga) or exhausting the body at night, we not only damage the Yin but the Yang also.  Just as if we allow the body to become cold by either exposing our body to the cold or exhausting the body in cold conditions, excessive sex or using cold pharmaceuticals like anti-biotics, we can also damage the Yin.

Infertility is usually due to Yang deficiency

Applying cold to a mans back or abdomen for some time can damage his Kidney yang and lead to erectile dysfunction. Women should also be extra careful in not ice their abdomen as their womb is sensitive to the cold. The womb can trap the cold inside it, which is very difficult to remove as it is deep in the body. Trapped cold in the womb can lead to congealed blood and therefore painful periods and infertility. There is an old T.C Doctors saying “you can not cook a bun in a cold oven”. A woman’s temperature naturally rises with the “Yang hormone” progesterone in the second phase of her menstrual cycle (the implantation stage).  If she falls pregnant then progesterone is made in abundance and the body’s temperature remains high. This means if we do not have enough of the Yang hormone to heat the body up, the baby will not hold.

It is also important to note that after birth you should definitely NOT apply ice to the perineum to reduce swelling!! This can be disastrous to period pain and fertility in the future.

The High FSH Craze

The High FSH Craze

Within the last ten to 15 years, reproductive medicine has made quite a fuss made over high Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels. Chinese medicine doesn’t focus so much on the unqualified meaning of laboratory values like Western medicine does; we view lab results energetically according to what is behind them, rather than providing meaning to the absolute numerical value.

The body energetically views the ovaries as “essence”, an elemental potential, like the primordial follicles within them. Follicles are only potential until they begin to interact with their internal environment, which is responding to cues coming from our interpretation of our external environment. All of this is subject to change when we change our internal environment, and our response to our external environment. FSH, on the other hand, is viewed as “heat”, which activates the potential of the ovaries’ essence in the form of eggs, and resulting blood levels of estradiol (or yin). When the essence is adequate, it doesn’t require much heat to ignite the ovaries. When the essence is weak (due to stress, lack of restoration, follicular malnourishment, and the demands of life), it takes more heat to induce the necessary ovarian response, indicative of present ovarian health.

To put it simply and in energetic terms, those who have high FSH and low estradiol levels generally have too much heat, in relation to the underlying essence capable of responding to FSH stimulation. Although optimal FSH values are seen as <10, The Fertile Soul Method ® has helped women whose FSH values are well over 100 conceive naturally. First, however, we have had to energetically reduce their heat, and maximize their essence, which allows the FSH to activate healthy follicles.

Although Western medicine views the reproductive system as an ever deteriorating disease process waiting for intervention, Chinese medicine employs a different lens. We view the body/mind/spirit as an ever adaptive system, which, when given appropriate environmental cues, has a miraculous ability to manifest its highest potential.

How to naturally treat Painful Periods

According to Chinese Medicine, one of the main reasons why a woman would experience period pain is due to ‘Stagnant’ Liver energy or ‘Qi”.

According to the philosophy of Chinese medicine, the liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (energy) throughout the body, freeing up pain and smoothing out our reactions and emotions under stressful conditions. Painful periods, irregular periods, PMS, anger, irritability, and frustration are all signs that our Qi is not flowing smoothly.

Liver Qi stagnation is one of the most common conditions treated by Traditional Chinese Medicine in developed countries, like Australia.

Some of the symptoms commonly associated with Liver Qi stagnation are:
•    Pain or discomfort anywhere along the sides of the body, or during menstruation
•    Irregular periods
•    Depression
•    Mood swings
•    PMS with irritability and swollen breasts
•    Sighing
•    Hiccups
•    Frustration
•    Inappropriate anger
•    Sensation of a lump in throat
•    Difficulty swallowing
•    Bitter taste in mouth
•    Constipation
•    Abdominal pain and discomfort
•    Stomachache that improves after massage
•    Stomachache that worsens with anger
•    Poor appetite
•    Churning sensation in stomach

The health of your liver reflects your overall health and well-being.  The Liver is responsible for:
Converting carbohydrates into glucose, thus an important organ for energy production.

Filtering and neutralising drugs, including alcohol, and hormones such as estrogen.

The liver also filters over a liter of blood every minute. It is responsible for detoxifying, nourishing, replenishing, and storing blood.

It also recombines amino acids to create the protein our bodies need to grow and repair tissue, and aiding in the production of body proteins such as hormones.

Changing ammonia (a toxic by-product of protein metabolism) into urea, which is then excreted in urine.

Bile production, which is then stored in the gall bladder and used to help break down dietary fats. This is crucial also for weight loss. Fat soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, D, E and K need bile in order to be absorbed by the body.

If the Liver becomes over loaded it becomes toxic, or what is known as ‘Stagnant’.  The liver can become overloaded with dietary and environmental toxins, or hormone may build up like estrogen. When this happens the condition is known as Estrogen dominance.

Recommendations to Improve Liver Qi Stagnation:

General Principles

Eat less processed foods, and more freshly cooked meals. When eating out, choose meals that are prepared with less oil, sugar and salt. The best cooking methods are stir frying, poaching and steaming. Schedule main, heavier meals for the earlier part of the day where possible. Simplify your meals, don’t have too many food groups in one meal.

Up your intake of vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables and red vegetables. Aim for 3 cups of vegetables each day, and minimum of 2 pieces of fruit each day. 6-8 glasses of water each day as a target, more in summer. A high protein diet will contribute to “qi stagnation”; it is best to focus on the quality of protein consumed rather than the quantity.

Check packaging for additives, sugar and salt. Try to choose brands without preservatives, and with sugar and salt lower on the list. Remember that ingredients are listed from highest to lowest content. Avoid MSG (and related additives) wherever possible. Look for numbers 620-640 (flavour enhancers). Number 621 is MSG. Artificial sweeteners should also be avoided where possible.

Reduce caffeine, carbonated drinks, alcohol, cigarettes, recreational drugs, fatty foods, sugar and salt. Replace with herbal tea or coffee substitute, water or diluted fresh juice, freshly cooked meals.

Turbulent or volatile emotions at meal times are especially detrimental; meals should be eaten in a calm and relaxed environment. Relax whilst you’re eating and enjoy your food, and avoid eating whilst working, reading or watching TV. Ensure to leave adequate time each day to relax, whether meditating, listening to music, gardening etc. or some other form of activity that doesn’t involve reading or watching TV.

Reducing your workload and the amount of time you spend at work, spending time at least once each week doing something you enjoy. Where possible, get to bed before 11pm, try to avoid burning the candle at both ends. Remain conscious of where your true energy levels are and avoid “running on empty”.

Avoid eating too late in the evening, try to have your final meal by 7pm. Your body needs to rest at night, not spending all night digesting your dinner. Your energy levels can be quite low in the morning if you’ve had a large meal before going to bed.

Recommended Foods (Eat More)

Vegetables: artichoke, asparagus, beet, beet leaves, brussels sprouts, carrot, celery, cucumber, green leafy vegetables rich with chlorophyll, a small amount of lemon with warm water on an empty stomach, lettuce (cos), mung bean sprouts, mushroom, rhubarb, seaweeds

Fruit: apple, coconut, mango, mulberries, passion fruit, pear, persimmon, plum, watermelon

Grains: millet, pearl barley, rice

Meat: Small amounts of organic beef, turkey, chicken

Nuts, seeds, legumes: flaxseed (linseed), flaxseed oil, mung beans, pine nuts, soy beans, tofu, yellow beans, yellow bean sprouts,

Fish: tuna, anchovy, halibut

Herbs: basil, dill, fennel, rosemary

Spices: cardamom, cumin,

Beverages: cow’s milk, soy milk, peppermint tea, green tea

Restrict/Avoid (Eat Less)

Foods that upset the Liver such as: Alcohol, coffee, spicy food, sugar, fried foods, fatty red meat, sweets, preservatives, additives, recreational drugs.

Heating foods: cinnamon, garlic, ginger, onion, shallots, leek, basil, cloves, wasabi, lamb, prawns, veal, pigeon, game birds, vinegar, citrus, pickles, coffee, tea, cigarettes, alcohol and recreational stimulants (amphetamines, cocaine, ecstasy).

Foods that are bad for the skin/skin disorders: chili, coriander, shellfish (including crayfish, lobster, mussels, oysters, prawns, shrimp)

Acupressure Points for Moving Qi

A popular treatment for the stress, anger, and frustration associated with Liver Qi Stagnation is known as the “four gates.” The four gates are the right and left side acupuncture points Lv 3–Liver 3 and Large Intestine 4.

Liver 3 is at the top of your foot, in the valley between your big toe and second toe.

Large Intestine 4  is found between the bones of the thumb and first finger). It lies at the highest point formed when the thumb is brought to rest against the index finger.

This can also be combined with LV13, located on the end of the 11th floating rib.

Castor Oil Pack Instructions

Indications: To remove blockages from any part of the body  –Endometriosis, PCOS, infertility, blocked tubes, phlegm cysts, lumpy breast, prostate blockage.

You will need:
Castor Oil
An old towel
Glad wrap
Hot water bottle (optional)

Instructions:

Warm ½ cup of Castor Oil on the stove.

Soak an old towel with the warmed oil

Whilst the oil is still warm on the towel, place the towel on your abdomen from the base of your ribs to pubic bone. (If using the castor oil pack for lumpy breast of cysyts in the body, place in that area.

Then wrap yourself in glad wrap, so the towel is unable to come off and you can protect your sheets from stains..

Place a Hot water bottle over you’re the wrap (optional, but for best results use the heat)

Go to bed and take it off in the morning.

Pre Natal Care - The Traditional Chinese Perspective

Pre Natal Care

It takes 100 days for the ova to mature before ovulation and in this time is susceptible to damage. It also takes 116 days for sperm to form and this also needs to be taken into consideration.  Getting the parents bodies healthy before conception is ensuring the health of your child. Just like with gardening, farmers would choose the best seeds, and well fertilized soil to reap the benefits from their crops. The health of the fetus depends on the quality of the inherited DNA or “Jing” (Essence and Vitality), from BOTH parents. It is dependant on how they have lived their lives – not just the month they attempted to conceive is on trial.

Lifestyle habits such as poor nutrition, regular consumption of alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, environmental pollution, stresses, late nights, dehydration, immunizations and infections are also risk factors when planning and preparing for pregnancy. The way you live before and during conception will impact on the health of your child forever.

This is particularly important if the mother and/or father to be, have been on any long term medications such as the Oral contraceptive Pill, anti-biotics, anti-inflammatories, aspirin, corticosteroids, or had recent CT scans X rays or major dental work. If any of these drugs have been taken long-term, please consult your G.P to see if you can reduce or remove any medications. The use of these drugs and tests could affect the health of the embryo. It is useful to wait a few months post these prescriptions to enable the liver to detoxify these chemicals out of the body.

Healthy menstruation leads to healthy pregnancy. When we have a regular healthy cycle (28 days apart, 5 days of bleeding, no stopping and starting, no clotting, pain or brown blood), then our body is full of Qi and Blood, which is what is needed to make a child. If there are menstrual disorders prior to pregnancy, the very same


NATURAL CONCEPTION

It is important to consider when to stop taking the pill. Consider other forms of contraception before you stop taking the pill as it takes at least four months for your hormones to balance themselves out naturally.  Condoms may be your best alternative.

If using an IUD, have it removed at least 4 months prior to conception to resume your natural cycle and hormone levels. If it is a copper IUD this may reduce your zinc levels, which is a crucial vitamin for fertility.


THE CHINESE PERSPECTIVE

Asian Cultures always avoid allowing their bodies to be exposed to cold. Perhaps our Grandmothers told us not to wear midriff tops as it injures the kidneys, and maybe being modern women, we have considered this type of advice to be just another old wives tale. However in China today, expectant mothers, pregnant mothers and especially new mums are kept well away from the cold, and are advised to do so not just by their culture but in the hospitals as well. 

The most important organ and meridian for conception according to Chinese medicine are the Kidneys. In relation to the other organ networks, the kidney is situated in the lowest position. Therefore has a large role to play in the function of the sexual organs, and sex drive. The kidney is the source of the human body, and the initial sprout of physical life in conception. Thus it is paramount that the mother and father to be have strong Kidneys.

The kidneys are thought of as the ocean of the human body.  As oceans are situated on a lower level than the earth's streams and rivers, they draw every one of them to form one large body of water. So the kidneys rely on the strength of all other organs to support them, so they can then in turn nourish all other organs and the brain. Oceans may appear vast and inexhaustible, yet they still drain off some of their seemingly unlimited supply. The Kidneys can become drained from stress, cold invasion, birthing many children and sadly to say too much sex!

How much sex is too much sex? .........







Note:

FOR DAD

If you suffer from night sweats, erectile dysfunction, your penis is cold to touch, you can not sustain an erection or get a full erection, then any of these factors could be indicators for sub infertility issues. Please book an appointment with your Chinese Doctor to receive treatment at least 4 months before trying to conceive.

For more information see http://www.foresight-preconception.org.uk

Why Icing your lower Back can Damage your Energy Levels & Fertility.

Have you ever been to a Traditional Chinese (T.C) Doctor and have them tell you not to apply ice to your injury to reduce swelling, and that you should apply heat? Or that you should keep your lower back and feet warm to build energy and prevent infertility? Ever wondered why?

Human beings are warm blooded. This means our resting body temperature is around 36.6 degrees. If we think about the homeopathic principle ‘like cures like’, then applying cold to an ‘injured’ warm blooded being could actually be counter productive.

When you look at how cold effects liquids, then what would cold do to your blood? When the blood becomes cold, the blood congeals, stopping nutrient supply to our injury. This is why a T.C. Doctor would never recommend icing any part of your body. Even an acute injury, in this instance you may want to apply the R.C.E principle, R.I.C.E with out the Ice. After 24 hours you may want to increase blood flow to an injured area. This will increase the nutrients that blood provides to an injury, you would actually apply heat.

T.C Doctors are also very carful in advising their patients to NEVER apply cold to the lower back, abdomen or sole of the foot. This denotes the area of the Kidney Organ and corresponding end point of the Kidney meridian. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the Kidneys are known as the “Root of Life”, this is because the life essence that we receive from our parents which denotes the health of our entire life resides in the Kidneys. Like every Organ the Kidneys have a Yin and Yang aspect, however the Kidneys Yin and Yang are the foundation of the Yin and Yang for the entire body. This means the body’s ability to regulate temperature, control fluids and water metabolism, energy levels, sexual vitality and fertility are all dependant on the regulation of the Kidneys Yin and Yang.