Technorati Profile Navigating Natural Health for Women: February 2009

Monday, February 23, 2009

PMS- It's Personal

PMS is a drag. We all know it. Whether we have experienced it first-hand or have been on the receiving end of the wrath it's no walk in the park. Mood swings, bloating, cravings, insomnia, constipation, acne, and uncontrollable feelings of anger are just a few of the major inconveniences of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome.

There are very few effective treatments for PMS from a western medical perspective. Most of us just retreat and try to avoid those people (we all know who they are) until they return to their rational, loving selves in 10-14 days! Quite honestly this is no way to live and there are actually some magnificent treatments for PMS. Always remember that PMS is not a choice but it is a treatable condition. I find most of my patients thank me for changing their lives and their husbands never want them to stop treatment- it truly is that remarkable.

Acupuncture is very effective in calming anger, reducing mood swings, curbing cravings, regulating bowels and making bloating a thing of the past. The Liver is usually the culpirate and causes most symptoms associated with PMS. The treatment method would be sedation leaving the patient extremely relaxed when they leave the office. It is a feeling that can last up to 3 days. It is remarkable in treating menstrual cramps too.

The best course of treatment is to have several acupuncture treatments two weeks prior to your menstrual cycle beginning. You will be amazed at how effective the treatment is and your period can actually sneak up on you because you no longer have all those nasty symptoms.

If you or someone you know lives in the Eagle and Boise, Idaho area call me for a new you (208) 938-1277. Or if you live elsewhere go to http://www.acufinder.com/ to find an acupuncturist and herbalist near you.

Finally Fertile

Most people don't realize how may options they have when it comes to their reproductive health. Take me for instance, 7 MD's recommended a hysterectomy by the time I was in my early twenties without any diagnosis. I suffered tremendous pain and every other symptom under the sun when it came to my menstrual cycle. Some insinuated that I would have a difficult time getting pregnant. Another told me to have a baby right away if I wanted to have one at all. That was not good advice for a single, young, woman who wasn't even married nor had a job. Traditional Chinese Medicine (including acupuncture and herbal medicine) treats infertility with tremendous success. The latest studies have proven that adding acupuncture to IVF can increase success by over 50% (2002 and 2006 Fertility and Sterility). That borders on miraculous. (For more studies visit: http://www.americanacu.com/) This ancient medicine is effective in treating infertility solely on it's own and when added to conventional medicine. I have seen patients in my practice for endometriosis, poly-cystic ovarian syndrome, anovulation, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, irregular cycles, heavy bleeding, thyroid problems, habitual miscarriage and unexplained infertility. I have helped hundreds of people who thought they could never have babies conceive and carry healthy babies. My latest success story just gave birth to twins (not in-vitro) after having 4 miscarriages and finally being diagnosed with PCOS (Poly-cystic ovaries) and endometriosis. The number one question my husband Tony and I hear is: "How does it work?" Acupuncture works by stimulating acupuncture points on the body that correspond with internal organs within the body. There are points that directly affect the uterus and it's ability to function properly. There are points that actually induce ovulation. There are points that balance hormones and can reflect positively in lab work done by your reproductive endocrinologist after having acupuncture for only a couple of weeks. There are points to influence your endocrine system, your pituitary gland and your ovarian reserve. There is no case too complex for your infertility challenges. The good news is we are here to help you. In our practice I treat the women and my husband treats the men. We have seen male patients go from infertile and their wives told to go through IVF (In-vitro Fertilization) so they can extract and wash the few , good sperm he has. With herbal medicine and acupuncture we have been able to take "infertile men" and make them fertile. All the while these patients were able to avoid the emotional and physical and financial demands of IVF cycles. Now that is powerful medicine. We embrace using the best of both medicines. My husband and I have given before and after acupuncture treatments to hundreds of patients during their embryo transfers. It is a miraculous moment to be a part of and we are grateful for the experiences we have had. However, we relish meeting patients before they are faced with the enormity of these procedures. As we were taught in graduate school: first, do no harm. Our choice is the least invasive, least expensive and the least side-effects, the better. You have choices. You have options. You are not alone. Written by: Kristen Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M. founder and medical director of American Acupuncture Center in Eagle, Idaho For more information about our success with infertility please visit http://www.americanacu.com/