"Frozen Embryos Are Just as Good for IVF as Fresh Ones"

"Couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) have many difficult decisions to make on the road to starting a family. Among them is the decision to use fresh or frozen embryos.

Before freezing methods were refined, fresh embryos were the only option, but as cryopreservation techniques improved, freezing embryos so that not all of the healthiest ones had to be transferred to the woman immediately became more popular. Most IVF clinics today take advantage of embryo freezing.

But whether frozen embryos contributed to the same pregnancy and live birth rates as fresh embryos wasn’t clear. In two papers published in the New England Journal of Medicine, an international group of researchers led by scientists in Vietnam and China report that pregnancy and live birth rates are similar among women who used fresh or frozen embryos."

To read whole article, please click here

Prenatal vitamins: How to choose the best for your pregnancy

Recently my prescription vitamins went from a "tier 1" to a "tier 2", which for those of you that don't understand the insurance lingo (who does?) that means my vitamins went from $20/month to $120/month!!! Most doctors agree that over the counter (OTC) vitamins are fine to take as long as you are getting your essentials...

"Here, get the 411 on everything you need to know about prenatal vitamins.

A prenatal vitamin is vital for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby, but knowing when to start taking them, which brand to buy and how much of each vitamin and mineral to look for can be daunting. 

Why prenatal vitamins?
It can be hard to eat healthy when you’re dealing with morning sickness and pregnancy cravings, but prenatal vitamins aren’t meant to make up for unhealthy food choices.

“This should complement a healthy diet,” Dr. Mary Rosser, an assistant professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology and women's health at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City said. “It’s really not a substitute for anything.”

Plus, because we tend to lack a lot of vitamins and minerals due to depleted soils, getting those in a prenatal vitamin is even more important, according to Michele McRae, Senior Director of Research, 

When should you start taking prenatal vitamins?
If you’re hoping to get pregnant, you should ideally start taking prenatal vitamins at least three months before you plan to get conceive. Prenatal vitamins have folic acid, which prevents neural tube defects like spina bifida, which develops within 28 days after conception.

Plus, folic acid may reduce the risk of autism, according to a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

“The defects can occur very early in pregnancy, many times before women know that they’re pregnant,” Rosser said.

For this reason and because 50 percent of pregnancies are unplanned, experts recommend all women of reproductive age take a multivitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid, whether they’re trying to get pregnant or not.

What to look for in a prenatal vitamin.
Prenatal vitamins are available by both over-the-counter and by prescription. Although formulations can vary from brand to brand, these are the most important vitamins and minerals to look for:

Folic acid
Anywhere between 400 mcg and 800 mcg of folic acid is ideal. If you previously had a baby with a neural tube defect or if you have other risk factors, your doctor may prescribe 4 mg (4,000 mcg) of folic acid.

Iron
Iron is essential for a baby’s growth and development and it prevents you from having anemia. Getting more iron is especially important because your blood volume almost doubles to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the baby.

30 mg is best but your doctor may prescribe more if you’re iron deficient, which most moms are, McRae said.   

Calcium
Your developing baby needs calcium for growth and bone development and strength and she’ll draw that nutrient from you. Because of this, it’s important for moms to get enough calcium— aim for 250 mg a day.

Magnesium
Look for a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 mg of magnesium, which is crucial for baby’s bone development. It will help you relieve muscle aches, improve energy, and aid relaxation.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D not only helps mom absorb calcium and supports healthy blood pressure, but research shows its linked to better birth outcomes, too.

Plus, a recent study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that moms with higher vitamin D levels were more likely to have children with stronger muscles.

Aim for 400 IU to 800 IU of vitamin D. If you’re at risk for bone issues or are a vegetarian, your doctor may prescribe up to 2,000 IU a day.

DHA and EPA
Studies show that DHA and EPA are important for baby’s brain and eye function and may even prevent pre-term birth and depression during pregnancy and postpartum.

Most over-the-counter prenatal vitamins don’t include DHA and EPA, but you can take a supplement or ask your doctor for a prescription. Take at least 250 mg per day.

Vitamin B
Vitamin B6 is important for a baby’s brain development and nervous system, and can maintain your energy and keep your mood balanced. Look for 2 mg of B6, but a prenatal vitamin with a vitamin B complex is even better.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C but is essential for immunity, especially because we don’t produce it. 50 mg a day is best.

Choline
Studies show that choline may help with cognitive abilities and IQ later in life. At least 30 mg a day is ideal".

Of course always speak to your MD as to what vitamin s/he believes will be best for you and your baby ;)

To read the full article, please click here

Posted by Sharon Wyse L.Ac.

This Is What Your Skin Looks Like Before And After Sunblock....

Please take a moment to watch this very eye opening short video-
If you are young or have a young child, please get in the habit of wearing/ putting on a natural sunscreen every day; especially on days where you will be out in the sun. If you are older, please start now- a little bit makes a big difference.
Watch the video by clicking here
*notice the difference in skin pigmentation in the young and the not so young*

Vitamin D and Prevention of Chronic Diseases/ Treatment for Psoriasis

Wonderful, informational (and funny) video on the importance of Vitamin D

please click here

Recent Study Shows Acupuncture Effective for Chronic Pain

Recent Study Shows Acupuncture Effective for Chronic Pain

A new study published last month in the Archives of Internal Medicine demonstrates that acupuncture is more effective for chronic pain than “sham acupuncture,” which is a placebo version of the treatment. This study has been touted as one of the largest, most rigorous and robust analyses to date on the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments for the amelioration of pain.

This study received major news coverage from news entities all over the world, proving that acupuncture has been and will continue to be used for pain management effectively throughout the world. The NCCAOM used the momentum created by this important news to send out a nation-wide press release to promote the safe and effective practice of acupuncture by NCCAOM certified Diplomates with special attention to how to find a certified Diplomate via the NCCAOM website. You can read the press release via the NCCAOM website

Acupuncture Improves Sleep

A recent study shows that acupuncture as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has immediate effects in reducing nocturnal respiratory events, sleep disruptions, and desaturations (low oxygen levels in the blood). The researchers hypothesize that this improvement is due to acupuncture’s effects on serotonergic pathways and also acupuncture’s anti-inflammatory effects. Both manual acupuncture and 10Hz electro-acupuncture techniques were found effective. Both techniques produced superior clinical outcomes compared with 2Hz electro-acupuncture.
Discussion of Acupuncture and Airflow
The researchers note that the acupuncture points of the neck are of specific interest because they stimulate the genioglossus muscle (secondarily, the mylohyoid muscle) on deep insertion. They note that stimulation of this lingual muscle affects airflow dynamics and may be a key reason as to why acupuncture is effective for improving the symptoms of patients with sleep apnea.
To read the full article please click here
Posted by Sharon Wyse L.Ac
 

Why Are You Doing That Point? Spleen 6

"Ever wonder why acupuncturists choose certain points? The AcuTake “Why Are You Doing That Point?” series has the answer.
So far we’ve looked at Liver 3 and Large Intestine 4, two popular acupuncture points that are frequently used together; Stomach 36, known for its energizing qualities; and Governing Vessel 20, a conversation-starter located on the top of the head.
This time we’re looking at a very widely used point called Spleen 6.
Spleen 6—also known as Sanyinjiao (Chinese name), Three Yin Intersection (English translation) and SP6 (acupunk lingo)—is located on the inside of the lower leg.
To find it yourself, place the pinkie-side edge of your hand against the high point of your medial malleolous (the big bone on the inside of your ankle). Spleen 6 is directly above the malleolous, at the other, index-finger edge of your hand (see picture below).

Spleen 6 Is a Three-for-One Deal

The location of Spleen 6 is what makes it so widely used. Spleen 6 is the point at which the Spleen, Liver and Kidney meridians intersect—hence the name, Three Yin Intersection.

This means it can be used to address issues having to do with any of the three channels. And that means Spleen 6 is used an awful lot.
John Pirog, in his great book The Practical Application of Meridian Style Acupuncture, says that naming all of Spleen 6′s indications would “require an entire text.”
In A Manual of Acupuncture, author Peter Deadman calls Spleen 6 “one of the most important and widely used of the acupuncture points.”
It’s not just that Spleen 6 is a three-fer. Moreover, Spleen, Liver and Kidney—arguably more than other channels—are principally important in a significant number of functions throughout the body.
Westerners in particular, plagued by our overworked and stressed-out lifestyles, are disproportionately afflicted with patterns that affect the Liver and Spleen meridians. For this reason, Spleen 6 is included in almost all acupuncture treatments for general-wellness, balancing, and stress-reduction.
We could all use a little more Spleen 6 in our lives.

Ladies, Remember This Acupuncture Point

Although Spleen 6 is used for many, many conditions, there are a few for which it is known to be especially effective. Gynecological conditions are at the top of the list.

Anything gynecological—PMS, irregular or painful menstruation, infertility, delayed or difficult labor, genital pain or itching—is from an acupuncture perspective directly related to Spleen, Liver and Kidney. Gynecological issues can stem from any (or all three) of these systems, so a point that influences them all is efficient and effective.
In fact, Spleen 6′s effect on a woman’s reproductive health is so powerful that the point is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Spleen 6 also addresses reproductive health in men. It is frequently used on men who complain of impotence, seminal emission and genital pain.

Spleen 6 Is A Lot to Digest

After gynecology, digestion is the next best-known area that warrants love from Spleen 6.
Often used in combination with acupuncture point Stomach 36, Spleen 6 is particularly focused on resolving digestive and abdominal problems due to what is known as Dampness.
As it pertains to digestive disorders, Dampness can cause diarrhea, undigested food in the stool, abdominal distention or fullness, and weak appetite. Many of these symptoms are seen in that overworked and stressed-out Westerner mentioned above, because Dampness often is a sign of deficiency in the Spleen caused by an overactive Liver.
Spleen 6, in addition to being chosen when digestive or abdominal symptoms suggest Dampness, also is a go-to point for women whose digestive disturbances are accompanied by gynecological problems.
Other uses for Spleen 6 include difficult or painful urination, insomnia, dizziness, low back and knee pain, as well as ankle and foot pain because of its location.
As the connection point for the body’s Spleen, Liver and Kidney energies, Spleen 6 is multifaceted and powerful in its effects. Don’t be surprised if you see it pop up in your next acupuncture treatment.
Next up on “Why Are You Doing That Point?” is Yin Tang. Look for it."
By Sara Calabro
Reposted by Sharon Wyse L.Ac

Free Exercise website

I attended a seminar yesterday and learned about a fabulous free website that can help you in choosing exercises that you can easily do at home. As I always implement self care tips to all my patients I thought I would share this website so that all can benefit :)
Please click here for the free exercise website.
Be well,
Sharon Wyse L.Ac

Deciphering your blood tests results made easy

Often I have patient come into the clinic with blood work that they cannot read or decipher, here is a good website to help look up ranges and explain certain tests that are performed:

http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/

Posted by Sharon Wyse L.Ac

Acupressure/ Acupuncture for Nausea During Pregnancy

"Nausea during pregnancy is often dismissed as a minor disorder of pregnancy. As it can be compared to the experience of having persistent food poisoning it is not something that one would volunteer to endure for 12 to 16 weeks. As nausea is estimated to affect one third of all pregnancies it is worth considering the alternatives.

In traditional Chinese medicine, although the nausea associated with pregnancy can arise from a variety of conditions, these all involve the stomach’s energy. If pregnancy interferes it affects not only the process of digestion but also the stomach’s energetic nature of aiding the movement of food downward through the digestive tract. Strong upward rebellious energy or a weakness in this down bearing function results in the nausea and vomiting.

While acupuncture treatment is aimed at strengthening the energetic function of the stomach and correcting any underlying disharmonies, dietary advice is directed at reducing the energetic workload of the digestive system."

To read the full article on how TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) can help with nausea during pregnancy please click here 

re-posted from the Essential Guide to Acupuncture in Pregnancy and Child birth

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

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