"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

Resveratrol May Curb Endometriosis And Pain

"If you are trying to conceive with endometriosis, the natural supplement resveratrol may be able to help to resolve the growth and spread of endometriosis naturally. Resveratrol can help to reduce pain, curb inflammation and modulate estrogenic activity within your pelvis. By attenuating the spread of endometriosis, resveratrol may help your body to be more baby-friendly increasing the chances of conceiving.

Resveratrol is a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative polyphenol derived from grapes - and of course red wine - which has been found to significantly decrease endometriosis pain. The pain-relieving effect of resveratrol has been studied alone, in combination with the contraceptive pill and also with green tea extracts. As pain diminishes, so too does the invasive growth of endometriosis which could have a sparing effect on fertility."

To read the full article please click here

2 other possible beneficial supplements are:

Pine Bark/Pycnogenol

Curcumin

Posted by Sharon Wyse L.Ac

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.

The proper way to take Vitamin D for optimal absorption

"Many women take vitamin D while trying to conceive and in preparation for IVF knowing that having stellar vitamin D levels may improve their chances of conceiving considerably. What they may not know, is that taking vitamin D at the optimal time of day can dramatically improve absorption of this vital fertility vitamin.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, this means that you will absorb it far better with food, not just any food, it really needs to be taken with a meal that contains other fats or oils to trigger the digestive enzymes and processes that break down and assimilate fats. Taking vitamin D with a piece of fruit, a glass or water or a light, low fat meal may be akin to taking very little vitamin D at all. Not so great for your fertility."

To read more on the article about the studies conducted, please click here

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

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

"Traditional Chinese medicine makes fertility treatments effective"

Traditional Chinese medicine has long been used to ease pain and treat disease.
Now researchers have found it can also boost fertility if used in combination with fertility treatments.
A team led by Dr Shahar Levi-Ari from Tel Aviv University compared the success rates of couples using intrauterine insemination (IUI) both with and without Chinese herbal and acupuncture therapies.
IUI involves a laboratory procedure to separate fast moving sperm from more sluggish sperm.
The fast moving sperm are then placed into the woman’s womb close to the time of ovulation when the egg is released from the ovary in the middle of the monthly cycle. 
The results, which have been published in the Journal of Integrative Medicine, show a significant increase in fertility when the therapies are administered side-by-side.

To read the full article please click here


posted by Sharon Wyse L.Ac.

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.

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