Chinese Herbal Medicine can improve pregnancy rates 2-fold within a 4 month period compared with Western Medical fertility drug therapy or IVF

Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine in the management of female infertility: a systematic review.

Ried K, Stuart K.

Source

Discipline of General Practice, School of Population Health & Clinical Practice, The University of Adelaide, South Australia. Karin.ried@adelaide.edu.au

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To assess the effect of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) in the management of female infertility and on pregnancy rates compared with Western Medical (WM) treatment.

METHODS:

We searched the Medline and Cochrane databases and Google Scholar until February 2010 for abstracts in English of studies investigating infertility, menstrual health and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). We undertook meta-analyses of (non-)randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or cohort studies, and compared clinical pregnancy rates achieved with CHM versus WM drug treatment or in vitro fertilisation (IVF). In addition, we collated common TCM pattern diagnosis in infertility in relation to the quality of the menstrual cycle and associated symptoms.

RESULTS:

Eight RCTs, 13 cohort studies, 3 case series and 6 case studies involving 1851 women with infertility were included in the systematic review. Meta-analysis of RCTs suggested a 3.5 greater likelihood of achieving a pregnancy with CHM therapy over a 4-month period compared with WM drug therapy alone (odds ratio=3.5, 95% CI: 2.3, 5.2, p<0.0001, n=1005). Mean (SD) pregnancy rates were 60±12.5% for CHM compared with 32±10% using WM drug therapy. Meta-analysis of selected cohort studies (n=616 women) suggested a mean clinical pregnancy rate of 50% using CHM compared with IVF (30%) (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our review suggests that management of female infertility with Chinese Herbal Medicine can improve pregnancy rates 2-fold within a 4 month period compared with Western Medical fertility drug therapy or IVF. Assessment of the quality of the menstrual cycle, integral to TCM diagnosis, appears to be fundamental to successful treatment of female infertility.
Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
To read the full study please click here
Posted by Sharon Wyse L.Ac

"Chinese medicine double chances childless couples conceiving"

"Couples with fertility problems are twice as likely to get pregnant using traditional Chinese medicine as western drugs, say researchers."

"They found a two-fold improvement in pregnancy rates over just four months of treatment from practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine.
At least six million Britons have consulted a Western or traditional Chinese herbal practitioner in the last two years, according to Ipsos Mori research.
Previous research suggests acupuncture may help some childless couples to conceive.
The latest study from researchers at Adelaide University, Australia, reviewed eight clinical trials, 13 other studies and case reports comparing the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with western drugs or IVF treatment."

"The review funded by the Australian government included 1,851 women with infertility problems, says a report in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine.
Review of the clinical trials alone found a 3.5 rise in pregnancies over a four-month period among women using TCM compared with western medicine. 
Other data covering 616 women within the review showed 50 per cent of women having TCM got pregnant compared with 30 per cent of those receiving IVF treatment.

The overall analysis concluded there was a two-fold increase in the likelihood of getting pregnant in a four-month period for women using TCM compared with orthodox approaches.
The study’s authors said ‘Our meta-analysis suggests traditional Chinese herbal medicine to be more effective in the treatment of female infertility - achieving on average a 60 per cent pregnancy rate over four months compared with 30 per cent achieved with standard western drug treatment.’
The study said the difference appeared to be due to the careful analysis of the menstrual cycle – the period when it is possible for a woman to conceive – by TCM practitioners.
It said ‘Assessment of the quality of the menstrual cycle integral to TCM diagnosis appears to be fundamental to the successful treatment of female infertility.’

Dr Karin Ried of the university’s school of population health and clinical practice, who led the study, said infertility affects one in six couples and even after investigations 20 per cent of infertility remains ‘unexplained’.
She said TCM recognises many more ‘menstrual disturbances’ than conventional medicine, is far less expensive than IVF treatment and less stressful.
She said ‘Infertility issues can be treated with the integration of TCM and contemporary medicine to minimise the financial and emotional strain on people.’
Geeta Nargund, medical director of Create fertility clinic in London’s Harley Street, who uses a kinder form of IVF called in-vitro maturation or IVM which spares the woman exposure to drug hormones, said the study findings should be treated with caution.

She said ‘We should be doing everything we can to use the least invasive methods to help patients get pregnant, if they don’t work then we can move on to drugs and more invasive approaches.
‘What we desperately need is detailed research into these alternative approaches that monitors what is happening to the body’s hormone systems and ovaries so we can see what difference they are making.
‘But we should not lose sight of the fact that Chinese herbs are potent medicines. They are regarded as natural but they have powerful effects on the body which can include a syndrome that mimics the over-stimulation we sometimes see from western IVF drugs.

‘There are potential risks from using herbs and people should be aware of that’ she added.

To read this full article please click here

Reposted by Sharon Wyse L.Ac.

Why Does Acupuncture Help Depression? - Researchers Find It Regulates Zinc and Copper Levels

Acupuncture has been found helpful for a variety of psychiatric issues including depression and anxiety.  Depression is a common reason for working with an acupuncturist, particularly for those where western medicines either have too many side effects, were not effective or were not desirable for any number of reasons.  While we see benefit both in clinical studies and in practical day to day observation, the underlying mechanisms for how acupuncture helps with depression are not well understood.  Researchers from the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine within Xiamen University in China recently conducted an animal study to evaluate biochemical changes from electro-acupuncture to better understand how acupuncture helps.
Serum levels of copper, zinc, calcium and magnesium have relationships to psychiatric imbalances.  In this study electro acupuncture was used to see how these levels changes from treatment to help evaluate why it is helpful in a human patient.  Researchers used 40 male rats with depression and were divided into a control group, an electro-acupuncture group and a maprotiline group (a western tricyclic antidepressant medication).  Acupuncture points used were GV 20, Yintang, ST 40 and LV 3 for 15 minutes each session every other day for 3 weeks.  Then serum levels were checked.
Researchers found that electroacupuncture led to decreases in serum copper levels (associated with better psychiatric states) and increases in serum zinc levels (the copper/zinc ratio being related to mental health) with no significant changes in calcium or magnesium levels.  Researchers conclude that by regulate zinc and copper levels electroacupuncture may be helpful for depression.
Reposted from yinyanghouse.com

Get rid of stuffed or running nose without drugs...

Nasal congestion, stuffy nose, runny nose – these are common problems experienced by everyone, usually many times a year. We generally disregard it, if it’s on moderate levels but can get very annoyed when they are strong and require our attentions.

Yes, you could use a nasal spray to depress it for a while. But there are some problems with the sprays:

•First, they are drugs (chemicals), might have side effects and are somewhat addictive.
•Second, they cost money.
•Third, once you start taking the medications you may need to continue with them (which usually then results in dry mucus membranes)

  This technique is based on Traditional Chinese Acupressure points.There are only 4 easy points to massage, so it’s very easy to remember and can be done at anytime (I suggest doing it in the mornings while showering, as the steam will also help open up your sinus cavities)

Here how it goes:

1.Perform the below routine 3 times:
1.Perform 10 pressures on a cavity at the corner of the nostrils (point 1). You should almost close and open the nostrils when you do the round movement.
2.Perform 10 pressures on a cavity just below the corner of the eyes near the nose (point 2)
3.Perform 10 pressures on a cavity just below the ear, behind the earlobe (point 3)
4.Massage the earlobe 10 times (point 4)
2.After performing the above 3 times, you should feel immediate relief of your nasal congestion. It is advised to return on the above procedure again in about 10 minutes to make it more permanent or the congestion could return.
Additional instructions: The pressures are actually round movement. Look at the pictures for exact motion.

To read the full article please click here

 

Re-posted by Sharon Wyse L.Ac.

Acupuncture for induction of labour (Review)

 Here is an interesting study on how acupuncture can help induce labor in women that have gone over their due date. I usually educate women on how acupuncture 6-8 weeks before their due date is optimal, as it has also been researched that acupuncture a few weeks before labor helps to shorten the duration of a vaginal labor. Many women in the study also reported that labor pains were diminished with the administration of certain acupuncture points.

"In a study acupuncture with and without electrical stimulation
was used to induce labor in 12 pregnant women with
a gestational age from 19 to 43 weeks (Tsuei 1974). The success
rate was 83% and average induction to delivery time was 13.1
hours. In the third study, 34 termand post termwomen and seven
women with an intrauterine fetal death were induced using electro-
acupuncture. Labor was successfully induced in 32 (78%)
women (Tsuei 1977). The limited observational studies to date
suggest acupuncture for induction of labour appears safe, has no
known teratogenic effects, and may be effective. The evidence regarding
the clinical effectiveness of this technique is limited."

To read more about this study, please click here 

If you have any questions related to this blog, please feel free to contact me at SharonWyse.L.Ac@gmail.com or via phone at 917.603.8081

Acupuncture education at your fingertips....

I am a strong believer in educating my patients about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how it can help them in their lives both physically and emotionally. I recently came across a free online book that describes Acupuncture and the concepts behind TCM in a way that I believe patients will understand.

Questions such as "How is TCM different from western medicine?", "What is qi?" and "What should I expect from my acupuncture session?" can all be read in this online version by clicking here

This online book is intended to be a source of information on the subject of acupuncture to patients, prospective patients,prospective students and lay-people in general.

As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions on how acupuncture can help you by emailing me directly at SharonWyse.L.Ac@gmail or via phone at 917.603.8081
Posted by Sharon Wyse L.Ac.

Acupuncture’s Molecular Effects Pinned Down

"Scientists have taken another important step toward understanding just how sticking needles into the body can ease pain.
In a paper published online May 30 in Nature Neuroscience, a team at the University of Rochester Medical Center identifies the molecule adenosine as a central player in parlaying some of the effects of acupuncture in the body. Building on that knowledge, scientists were able to triple the beneficial effects of acupuncture in mice by adding a medication approved to treat leukemia in people.
The research focuses on adenosine, a natural compound known for its role in regulating sleep, for its effects on the heart, and for its anti-inflammatory properties. But adenosine also acts as a natural painkiller, becoming active in the skin after an injury to inhibit nerve signals and ease pain in a way similar to lidocaine.
To read the full article please click here
Posted by Sharon Wyse L.A.c

The treatment of infertility with Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)

Reprinted from acupuncturemediaworks.com
The treatment of infertility with Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) dates back 2,000 years. These ancient, time-tested techniques improve fertility rates and support a woman’s whole body, unlocking unlimited potential for health, healing and childbearing.
A landmark study published in the medical journal Fertility & Sterility (1) found that acupuncture dramatically improves the chances of becoming pregnant when used in conjunction with other assisted reproductive techniques. Researchers from Weill Cornell Medical Center (2) in New York reviewed studies and concluded that acupuncture helps to:

• Increase blood flow to the uterus, which improves the chances of an ovum implanting on the uterine wall
• Reduce anxiety, stress, and the hormones that are secreted during stressful situations that can significantly decrease fertility
• Normalize hormone and endocrine systems that regulate ovulation, especially in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Regulate the menstrual cycle

In a study published in Human Reproduction Journal (3) an ultrasound was used to evaluate blood flow to the uterus during acupuncture treatments. The study found blood flow increased during the treatments.  Dr. Nancy Snyderman stated “when acupuncture needles are placed correctly, it can affect the nervous system. The idea is that is you stimulate the nervous system, you can make the uterus quiet and allow blood to flow”.  Relaxing the uterus and increasing blood flow allows for the successful implant of an embryo within the uterine lining. Another study appearing in the British Medical Journal (4) concluded that “acupuncture can be offered as a significant, clinically relevant adjunct to in vitro fertilization”.

Acupuncture and TCM can raise the fertility potential for women by affecting the quality, balance and flow of Qi and blood. When Qi (pronounced “chee”) or vital energy, and blood are circulating freely throughout the body, every cell, tissue and organ is properly nourished and functioning well. When this occurs, a woman’s health and fertility are increased.

According to the theories of acupuncture and TCM, infertility is caused by the imbalance of Qi and blood affecting one or more of the Organ Systems (Please keep in mind that the Organs described below reflect Chinese medical theories and philosophies)

Kidney organ System: The release of an ovum is controlled by the Kidneys. The Kidneys also create a substance called Jing Qi which is required in order to have a healthy body, mind and pregnany. If an imbalance exists within the Kidneys, Jing Qi may be inadequate in supply and infertility may be a result.

Spleen Organ System: An adequate supply of blood is required by a woman’s body to sustain a normal menstrual cycle, a growing fetus, and a healthy pregnancy. A disharmony within the Spleen can result in an inadequate supply and imbalance of blood. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can build and nourish blood, in order to promote a healthy flow of blood to the uterus.
Liver Organ System: In order to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy it is important to have a free flow of Qi and blood throughout the body. The Liver is in charge of facilitating the smooth flow of Qi and blood. When it is out of balance, areas of the body will not receive the required supply of Qi and blood. The imbalance can lead to depression, anxiety, stress and increased infertility.
Acupuncture and TCM provide a safe, effective, drug-free, and natural approach to treating infertility and enjoying a healthy pregnancy. Here are a few reasons to try acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine:

• An acupuncturist does not treat just the symptoms and sign, but instead activates the body’s natural healing potential by treating the root causes that have lead to the problem or disease.
• Acupuncture and TCM are completely natural. No drugs are ever used. In the Western treatment of fertility, undesired side effects and accumulated toxicity from invasive procedure and drug therapies may occur.
• Acupuncture and TCM can be used to strengthen, support and balance overall health and well-being so that other fertility procedures (such as IUI and IVF) are more effective.
• The practice of acupuncture and TCM is over 3,000 years old and has helped millions of people become well and stay healthy.
• It works!

Also consider acupuncture during your pregnancy and birth! According to the World Health Organization (WHO), acupuncture has been found useful for relieving labor pains, nausea, vomiting and significantly reducing the duration of labor. There is also strong evidence that acupuncture can help with a breech birth (5,6)

1. Paulus W, et. Al., Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate of patients who undergo assisted reproductive therapy. Fertility and Sterility, volume 77, April 2002, 721-724
2. 5 Ways Acupuncture Can Boost Fertility. Prevention.com, 2002
3. Human Reproduction Journal, Volume 11, Number 6, 1996
4. Manheimer,E.,et. Al. Effects of acupuncture on rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilization:  systematic review and meta-analyses. BMJ February 2008;336: 545-549
5. Acupuncture: Review and analyses of reports on controlled clinical trials. World Health Organnization, Geneva, 2002, www.who.int/medicines
6. A manual of Acupuncture. Page 326. Peter Deadman & Mazin Al-Khafaji

 Posted by Sharon Wyse L.Ac.
WyseAcupuncture.com

Acupressure at SP 6 (San Yin Jiao) Found Helpful for Dysmenorrhea (Painful Menstruation/Cramping)

In the past 5 or 6 years I have really focused my attention and expertise into specializing in women's health. So when I come across certain research studies that show the efficacy of how acupuncture can help I always like to share....

Researchers from Northern Khorosan University in Bojnoord Iran recently conducted a study evaluating the effectiveness of acupressure in menstrual pain/cramps.  Researchers recruited 86 students who were experiencing menstrual pain/cramping (dysmenorrhea).  Acupressure was utilized on the acupuncture point san yin jiao (SP 6) and pain levels were assessed before intervention, at 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hour and at the 3 hours following the intervention.

The study found that this relatively simple acupressure technique reduced pain in women experiencing menstrual pain/cramps.  All in all this is an entirely safe and effective treatment that can easily be done on oneself or with the help of family or friends.
Further studies should be done comparing needling to acupressure to help illustrate any differences between the relative strength of the techniques.

Posted by Sharon Wyse
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me via email Sharon@WyseAcupuncture.com or cell 917.603.8081 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            917.603.8081      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
WyseAcupuncture.com

Acupuncture Effective for Undetermined Illness

Here is an article I recently came across showing the benefits of acupuncture on undetermined illnesses. I find that acupuncture seems to help a lot of western "syndromes" such as irritable bowel "syndrome", chronic fatigue "syndrome".. It seems that nowadays "syndrome" in western medicine translates to "I don't know whats causing this!"

"Despite the advances of modern medicine, one in five patients has symptoms that are unexplained and untreated, contributing to  stress for both the provider and individual.
Further, studies have shown that the cost of managing the treatment of a patient with medically unexplained symptoms can be twice that of a patient with a diagnosis.
In an effort to provide a solution, a UK research team performed a clinical randomized controlled study on the efficacy of acupuncture for the undiagnosed disorders. Included in the research design was a linked interview of each patient’s subjective opinion of the intervention.
Some 80 patients from GP practices across London were selected to have five-element acupuncture added to their usual care.
The results of the research are published in the British Journal of General Practice."
To read this full article please click here
Posted by Sharon Wyse L.Ac.

Vampires, Werewolves, Zombies... Oh MY!

When a friend that works for the city texted me that the CDC sent out a "zombie preparedness fact sheet" I though she lost it.....apparently she was telling the truth.....

Click here to read the full article

Posted by Sharon Wyse L.Ac.

Does Acupuncture really work?

Recently I came across and article in The Wall Street Journal entitled "Decoding an Ancient Therapy: High-Tech Tools Show How Acupuncture Works in Treating Arthritis, Back Pain, Other Ills"

As many of you know I have always been interested in research and the process in which acupuncture research studies are carried out; below is part of the article from the WSJ showing just how it is being done:

"Acupuncture has long baffled medical experts and no wonder: It holds that an invisible life force called qi (pronounced chee) travels up and down the body in 14 meridians. Illness and pain are due to blockages and imbalances in qi. Inserting thin needles into the body at precise points can unblock the meridians, practitioners believe, and treat everything from arthritis and asthma to anxiety, acne and infertility.

As fanciful as that seems, acupuncture does have real effects on the human body, which scientists are documenting using high-tech tools. Neuroimaging studies show that it seems to calm areas of the brain that register pain and activate those involved in rest and recuperation. Doppler ultrasound shows that acupuncture increases blood flow in treated areas. Thermal imaging shows that it can make inflammation subside.
Scientists are also finding parallels between the ancient concepts and modern anatomy. Many of the 365 acupuncture points correspond to nerve bundles or muscle trigger points. Several meridians track major arteries and nerves. "If people have a heart attack, the pain will radiate up across the chest and down the left arm. That's where the heart meridian goes," says Peter Dorsher, a specialist in pain management and rehabilitation at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla. "Gallbladder pain will radiate to the right upper shoulder, just where the gallbladder meridian goes."

The use of acupuncture continues to spread—often alongside conventional medicine. U.S. Navy, Air Force and Army doctors are using acupuncture to treat musculoskeletal problems, pain and stress in stateside hospitals and combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. Delegations from Acupuncturists Without Borders are holding communal ear-needling sessions to reduce stress among earthquake victims in Haiti. Major medical centers—from M.D. Anderson in Houston to Memorial Sloan-Kettering in New York—use acupuncture to counteract the side effects of chemotherapy."

To read the full article please click here
posted by Sharon Wyse L.Ac.

"Chinese medicine plant may lead to anticancer drug"

 "Traditional Chinese medicinal plants are used for a lot of maladies, but researchers at Johns Hopkins say one could serve as a starting point for development of new anticancer drugs.
The researchers found that a natural product isolated from a plant known as thunder god vine, or lei gong teng, and used to treat maladies including rheumatoid arthritis, works by blocking gene control machinery in the cell.
Their report was published in the March issue of Nature Chemical Biology.
“Extracts of this medicinal plant have been used to treat a whole host of conditions and have been highly lauded for anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, contraceptive and antitumor activities,” says Jun O. Liu, a professor of pharmacology and molecular sciences at Johns Hopkins. “We've known about the active compound, triptolide, and that it stops cell growth, since 1972, but only now have we figured out what it does.”
To read the full article please click here
Posted by Sharon Wyse L.Ac.

"Need some ZZZ's?"

I recently came across this article on sleep disorders in an issue of Women magazine and how trying to "catch up" on sleep really doesn't work...

"The causes of sleep disorders and the reasons they persist vary. With insomnia, for example, different types of insomnia tend to have different causes. For instance, insomnia can be a conditioned response, meaning that it’s attributed to a significant event—such as a career change, divorce, or any stressful experience. The shock or anxiety associated with that event may trigger insomnia, but the disorder persists once the event has passed due to “strategies” that we put in place to cope with a lack of sleep."

"In general, says Allison T. Siebern, MD, associate director of the Insomnia and Behavioral Sleep Medicine Program at Stanford University, “Insomnia is the most prevalent sleep disorder.”
Dr. Siebern says that sometimes people respond to inadequate sleep by trying to sleep more. This won’t work, she says, because “Sleep is a biological process—you can’t force it.” So, efforts to sleep more tend to backfire by raising something called the hyperarousal system. This system is responsible for the stress response known as fight or flight, and once it’s raised the mind becomes extremely alert and the muscles are tense. Naturally, this state makes sleep increasingly difficult. As a result, says Dr. Siebern, “People become very frustrated that they can’t sleep,” and the cycle of unsuccessfully trying harder to sleep continues; insomnia is thus maintained. “There are processes that help regulate sleep,” she says, “so if you try to sleep outside the times you normally sleep, you’re physiologically in a place where you’re not able to sleep.”

To read the full article please click here 

Can eating red meat help stop your baby from crying?

I came across this article recently that suggests that "Mothers-to-be who boost their intake of a vitamin found in steak during the first three months of pregnancy are up to eight times more likely to have babies who cry less".
This research was published in the Early Human Development journal and involved nearly 3,000 pregnant women.
"The researchers found that those women whose test results showed they had the least B12 were up to eight times more likely to give birth to a child who cried for prolonged periods than those who had the most.
On average, five per cent of mothers lacking B12 had a distressed baby while just over one per cent of women with the most B12 reported their baby cried excessively.
The researchers, from the Public Health Service in the Netherlands, concluded: 'This study provides first evidence for an early nutritional origin in infant crying behaviour.

'The results suggest infants born to women with a low B12 status during pregnancy are at a higher risk for excessive crying behavior in their first months of life.'

The researchers suggest that a lack of B12 may affect how much of a supportive tissue known as myelin, which surrounds and protects the nerve cells, is produced in the brain. Less myelin could cause irritability, they suggest.
They also say B12 could affect sleep cycles because low levels prevent the release of the body's sleep hormone, melatonin."
To read the full article please click here

"The End of Ouch?"

"One of the best imports from Eastern medicine — acupuncture — comes from a time before ibuprofen and Bengay. Not everyone agrees on how acupuncture works, but physicians believe it activates endorphin systems, and many consider it a highly effective complementary therapy"

"My mission is to help people live the longest and happiest lives possible, and that means lives that are pain-free. But Americans don't do pain well. Historically, if people were not in immediate medical danger, their pain was considered an unfortunate side effect or a collateral consequence of solving a greater problem.  But all that is changing. I am here to tell anyone who suffers from pain each day, whose life is circumscribed and whose goals are slipping out of reach, that you are at last being heard. We are in a pain renaissance. (Read the cover story "Healing the Hurt.")
First, the biology: Pain is actually an intricate interplay along neurotransmitters in the brain and spinal cord. The body produces natural painkillers like serotonin, norepinephrine and opioid-like chemicals. Chronic pain is any pain that persists beyond the usual healing period. Continuous or intermittent, it can consume all aspects of a person's life.
Second, the numbers: Chronic pain is one of the costliest health problems in the U.S., with an estimated annual price tag of close to $50 billion. Lower-back pain is by far the most common complaint, affecting 70% to 85% of adults at some point and leaving 7 million either partially or severely disabled. Lower-back pain accounts for 93 million workdays lost every year and consumes over $5 billion in health care costs. Arthritis pain affects 40 million Americans, and 45 million suffer from chronic headaches.
But it's not just about your bad back or arthritic knee. People with chronic pain are twice as likely to suffer from depression and anxiety as those without. What starts in your lower back eventually eats away at your soul. You enjoy your loved ones less, and you are less enjoyable to them. If pain affects body, mind and spirit, then treatment must address these three pillars of the human condition"

To read more of this TIME magazine article click here

Sharon@WyseAcupuncture.com 

917.603.8081

Testimonials

Over the years I have received various Thank you's and testimonials from my patients; I would like to share a few:

I have always believed in Eastern medicine, but I also believe in finding the right practitioner...having been on the hunt for a good acupuncturist since moving to NY several years ago, I am so glad I found Sharon Wyse. Not only has each session with Sharon been thoroughly relaxing, but any ache, pain or ailment that I have walked in with, I have well and truly walked out leaving behind. I would highly recommend Sharon to anyone who is both experienced and new to this type of treatment.
~Jen Thomas, Astoria NY



"Sharon’s acupuncture as worked wonders for my asthma.  As soon as she starts placing the needles I can feel my chest begin to open up.  I used to take Singulair every day.  Now I only take it when I really need it.  I definitely recommend anyone with asthma to give it a try."
                            -New York, NY

“I struggled with pain in my shoulder and arm for years.  I had gone to no less than 5 western practitioners who diagnosed me with various issues and were indifferently suggesting surgery.  Immediately after my first treatment with Sharon Wyse I started to feel better.  She had not only worked on my arm when I started seeing her but approached my ailment in a holistic manor paying attention to my asthma and tendency to hunch over – creating strain on my neck and shoulder muscles.  No one else had ever connected them to my ailing shoulder but it made perfect sense.  Not only did it help my arm and relieve me of that pain, but I found myself craving treatments in general. I have been seeing her ever since for any ailments that come up or even if I just feel unbalanced.  Her treatments are like a day at the spa for me.  I always leave Sharon’s treatments feeling so good and relaxed”.
32y/o  New York, NY


"I started seeing Sharon back in 2003 for a chronic digestive problem (IBS) I had suffered with for about 2 years. I had tried everything and was even told by a medical doctor that it was "all in my head" and that I should "try to relax"  Within 2 treatments I had seen a huge difference in my bowel pattern and bowel consistency; within 2 months of acupuncture treatments and herbs I was back to "normal" I didn't even realize how bad my quality of life was until I was able to look back and compare how I was feeling- I couldn't believe how long I had to suffer for nothing?! Sharon spent time with me explaining what she was doing and I felt like (and still feel like) I was in such great hands and so cared after during her treatments. I still continue to see Sharon for other ailments that come up and she even made me an herbal emergency kit for those times that I come down with a cold! “
Sue F., 34

“As a fellow acupuncturist and herbalist who worked with Sharon for over two years I admire Sharon's expertise in Chinese medicine and her devotion to wellbeing of patients.  She always inspired me to look deeper into patient’s cases and generously shared her extensive knowledge as we discussed treatment strategies.  She sees patients as whole complex beings and treats that way.  I was lucky to have many acupuncture sessions with Sharon.  They were very effective in reducing various ailments such as headaches, colds, backache, digestive problems, and fatigue.  And they always were painless and relaxing!  Sharon's needling technique and bedside manners are exceptional!  I feel confident every time I give Sharon's card to people seeking for a great acupuncturist in the area.”
Angela Gabriel L.Ac.

“I first met Sharon through a friend that was going to see her for acupuncture treatments. At first I was skeptical but I was experiencing so much pre-menstrual pain that I decided to give it a try. My western MD told me that I had endometriosis; he prescribed me pain killers and told me that I would need surgery. I started getting weekly acupuncture and taking the herbal medications that Sharon prescribed. My menses came the following month and I realized that I didn't have the pain like I normally do and even the achiness in my back was gone. I usually have very bad pre menstrual symptoms like tender breast and emotional mood swings but I noticed a huge difference within that first month. After the second month I had no pain what so ever, I couldn't believe that I didn't need to take off of work like I usually had to on the first day of my period. Needless to say I am still pain free and didn't have to have the laparoscopy surgery. I would recommend Sharon to anybody!”
Joanne T.

“Sharon Wyse has helped me in so many ways.  I suffer from anxiety and in the height of it all I was willing to try anything to find relief.  After listening to me patiently, Sharon explained to me what was happening to my body and how acupuncture will help.  For the first time in a long time I had felt a sense of calmness because she cared and made so much sense.  Sharon started treating me with acupuncture and herbs which I have found to be a great help in my recovery. I would recommend and do recommend Sharon to everyone I speak to! “
S.M, 33

“Sharon is one of the brightest people I know. She has a kind heart and a very special way about her that lets you know that you are important and cared for. Sharon is a skilled acupuncturist and herbalist who possess the rare ability to treat her patients with intelligence and kindness at the same time.”
Stephanie Duggins L.Ac.



I had a slight discomfort in one of my testicles, and I went to a urologist for fear
of testicle cancer.  After careful examination, the urologist found nothing wrong, and basically told me to 'live with it' and it 'might go away on its own'.
Well, it did not 'go away on its own'. Nor did it get worse. It just stayed continually uncomfortable. A cousin of mine had recommended acupuncture as a possible cure,  and had highly recommended Sharon Wyse.
I was skeptical, but was willing to give it a try.
I know this may sound crazy, but Sharon cured me in ONE VISIT. I am not joking! Even though I no longerhad any discomfort in my testicle after just one treatment by Sharon, I continued to see her for several months just to keep my body in balance.
It is now almost 9 months later, and I still have no discomfort in my testicle, and feel   terrific.
Thank you, Sharon!!
Scott
New Jersey

The Art of Breathing

The Art of Breathing
By Sharon A. Wyse L.Ac.

Breathing seems pretty basic. You inhale... You exhale... You repeat.
It seems odd that one would need lessons on how to breathe, but more and more I am finding myself educating new patients on the importance of deep abdominal breathing. Usually, the topic of breathing first comes up while the patient is lying comfortably on the acupuncture treatment table. As I ask them to take a relaxing deep breath in, I usually see only their upper chest expand and rise.
Imagine a baby breathing; they resemble a little baby Buddha with their belly extending in and out. The breath is deep, even and slow, easy and calm. You will see that it is not the chest that is rising and falling, but rather it is the abdomen moving in and out.  

In Traditional Chinese Medicine we refer to this area of the body as the Tan Tien. It is described as an important focal point for internal meditative techniques and refers specifically to the physical center of gravity located in the abdomen three finger widths below the navel and two finger widths deep within the abdomen.

Over the years, life in a crowded city with chronic pollution problems, lack of fresh air, stationary work environments and overall stress can result in the gradual shift from abdominal breathing to chest breathing. To figure out if you are breathing correctly place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. When you take a deep breath in, the hand on the abdomen should rise higher than the one on the chest. This insures that the diaphragm is pulling air into the bases of your lungs.

Instructions for proper abdominal breathing:

Inhale slowly and deeply through your nostrils into the bottom of your Tan Tien When you've inhaled fully, pause for a moment and then exhale fully through your mouth. Purse your lips and imagine that you are blowing on a hot spoonful of soup. As you exhale, just let yourself go and imagine your entire body going loose and limp. It should take you twice as long to exhale as it did to inhale.

Learning and using proper breathing techniques is one of the most beneficial things that can be done for both short and long term physical and emotional health. Abdominal breathing helps to relax the nervous system, reduces stress and tension, lowers blood pressure, and calms the mind. Practicing abdominal breathing also massages and tones the internal organs - particularly the digestive organs.

We all live in and around this city together and experience the stresses and crowds that come with it. Stress is inevitable; coping is the key. Here are a few simple techniques that I have incorporated into my life and have shared with my patients:

• If you work in an office desk environment, place a sticky note on the corner of your computer that simply says "sit straight and breath deep," to remind you to practice abdominal breathing throughout your day.
• When you find yourself in a store waiting on line, use that time to practice your abdominal breathing. Incorporate the breathing techniques while commuting; chances are you won't mind the wait or the commute as much.

Getting back to proper breathing isn't hard but it does take practice. So, make it a point to integrate abdominal breathing at least two to three times into each day and you will see a transformation in your physical and mental health transform.

As always, if you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me directly via email Sharon@wyesacupuncture or by phone 917.603.8081

Be well and breath on!

Sharon Wyse L.Ac