This study did not use acupuncture or herbs, but it is interested to include it here as a way of managing early pregnancy in women who have had previous miscarriages. There is currently no known prevention therapy for unexplained recurrent miscarriage, but this study showed that emotional support and close supervision helped improve outcomes in subsequent pregnancies.
Abstract
One hundred and thirty three couples were investigated at a recurrent miscarriage clinic. In their next pregnancy 42 women (Group 1) with unexplained recurrent miscarriage were managed with a programme of formal emotional support and close supervision at an early pregnancy clinic. Two women were seen in 2 pregnancies (44 supervised pregnancies); 86% (38 of 44) of these pregnancies were successful. Four of the 6 miscarriages had an identifiable causal factor. Nine women (Group 2), also with unexplained recurrent miscarriage, acted as a control group. After initial investigation they were reassured and returned to the care of their family practitioner and did not receive formal supportive care in their subsequent pregnancy; 33% (3 of 9) of these pregnancies were successful (p = 0.005; Fishers Exact Test). Whilst acknowledging that there is a significant spontaneous cure rate in this condition, emotional support seems to be important in the prevention of unexplained recurrent miscarriage, giving results as good as any currently accepted therapy.
Lian Fang et al, Zhong Xi Yi He Xue Bao 2009 Feb;15(1):42-46 Chinese Journal of Integrated Medicine
A chinese herb formula for endometriosis was given to women with long term infertility and endometriosis before and during an IVF cycle and various ovarian parameters were compared with a group of women with endometriosis who embarked on IVF directly without taking the herbs. The group who took the herbs produced more eggs and had a higher fertilisation rate (although a difference in pregnancy rate was not reported). Additionally the follicles of the women who took the herbs showed a reduced level of inflammatory cytokines compared to the women in the control group.
Abstract
Objective
To observe the effect of Quyu Jiedu Granules (QJG) on the microenvironment of ova in patients with endometriosis (EM).
Methods
Twenty EM patients who received in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) were randomized equally into a treated group and a control group.Further, 20 patients who received IVF-ET due to oviduct factors were enrolled into a non-endometriosis group.The dosage of gonadotrophic hormone used, the number of ova attained, fertilization rate and clinical pregnancy rate were all observed, and the levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in follicular fluid as well as their mRNA expressions in ovarian granular cells were detected by RT-PCR on the very day of ovum attainment.
Results
The ova attainment (13.80±6.87) and fertilization rate (0.69±0.31) in the treated group were all higher than the corresponding values in the control group (9.80±5.32 and 0.47±0.22); the follicular fluid contents of TNF-α and IL-6 in the treated group were 1.38±0.21 ng/mL and 130.56±12.81 pg/mL, respectively, which were lower than those in the control group (1.98±0.34 ng/mL and 146.83±17.65 pg/mL, respectively). Further, the treated group showed much lower mRNA expressions of TNF-α and IL-6 in ovarian granular cells.
Conclusions
The elevation of TNF-α and IL-6 contents in follicular fluid and their mRNA expressions in ovarian granular cells are possibly related to the low quality of ova in EM; QJG might raise the ova quality by reducing TNF-α and IL-6 levels to improve the living micro-environment for the ova.
Fu Yu and Xia Tian, Shanghai Jnl Acup Moxa, 2005, Vol 3 Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion
This is just one trial of many carried out in China which looks at the clinical effectiveness of treatment of endometriosis with acupuncture and Chinese herbs. The investigators report that symptoms and signs of the disease are treated effectively without side effects.
Abstract
Objective
To compare the clinical efficacy of combined acupuncture and herbs with danazol for treatment of endometriosis.
Methods
Seventy-eight patients were randomly divided into a combined acupuncture and herbs treatment group (40 cases) and a Westerm medicine control group (38 cases). Observation was made of changes in clinical symptoms, signs, serum CA 125, β-EP, PGE 2 and PGF 2α, and adverse reaction to the medicine in the two group.
Results
The overall efficacy was similar in the two groups, but the effects on lumbosacral pain, anal downbearing distention, irregular menstruation and infertility were significantly better in the treatment group than in the control group(P < 0.05), and in the treatment group serum CA 125, PGE 2 and PGF 2α were significantly lower and serum β-EP was significanly higher after treatment than before (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Combined use of acupuncture and herbs has a marked effect on endometriosis and the adverse reaction is lower than the control group.
Australian Journal of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Lim CED et al, Aust J Acupunct Chin Med 2009;4(2):12-17. Australian Journal Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Those of us who have experience in treating endometriosis with Chinese medicine are familiar with the benefits it brings patients in terms of reduced pain and possibly increased rates of conception. This pilot study, a collaboration between Guangzhou Medical University in China and RMIT university in Melbourne, is particularly interesting to us since it measured objective parameters such as immune factors (antigens and antibodies) shown to be abnormally raised in patients with endometriosis. A course of treatment with Chinese herbs not only improved pain but significantly reduced the levels of these immune factors. This is one way that Chinese medicine may improve fertility in endometriosis.
Abstract
Background
Secondary dysmenorrhoea associated with endometriosis affects many women and is the leading cause of work and school absenteeism, with considerable impact on quality of life. This study evaluates the possible role of Chinese medicinal herbs in relieving the menstrual pain associated with endometriosis.
Methods
A prospective clinical observational pilot study involving twenty-five patients with endometriosis with Chinese medical diagnosis of stagnation of qi and blood who were recruited at the Guangdong Women’s and Children’s Hospital during the period of January 2004 to December 2006 to participate in a three-month Chinese medicinal herbs study.
Results
Sixteen patients reported nil dysmenorrhoea during the treatment period. The mean CA125 at the study entry was 59.67 ±28.32 u/ml, compared to 34.83 ±16.34 u/ml post-treatment. The positive EMAb before the commencement of treatment was noted in 22 of 25 cases (88%), while 5 of 25 cases (20%) remained positive after treatment.
Conclusion
Short-term administration of Chinese medicinal herbs may be effective in alleviating secondary dysmenorrhoea associated with endometriosis in qi and blood stagnation pattern. It may provide an alternative treatment option for the management of pelvic pain associated with endometriosis and further research in the area is required.
Kong S et al, Volume (2014), Article ID 146383, 16 pages Evidence-Based Comp and Altern Med Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
This very thorough review compares results of treatment of endometriosis with acupuncture or herbal therapies and pharmaceutical or surgical approaches. A number of therapies, including using Chinese herbs per rectum, obtained great relief for patients, but without the side effects caused by drugs or surgery.
Abstract
Endometriosis (EM) is one of the common gynecological conditions causing menstrual and pelvic pain and affects 10%–15% of women of reproductive age. In recent years, the complementary and alternative medical (CAM) treatment for EM has become popular due to the few adverse reactions reported. The CAM therapy for EM includes several different treatments such as herbs (herbal prescription, extract, and patent), acupuncture, microwave physiotherapy, and Chinese herb medicine enema (CHM enema). These CAM therapies are effective at relieving dysmenorrhoea, shrinking adnexal masses, and promoting pregnancy, with less unpleasant side effects when compared to hormonal and surgical treatments. In this review, we focus on the status quo of CAM on EM and try to identify therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms based on some clinical and experimental studies. We hope to provide some instructive suggestions for clinical treatment and experimental research in the future.
Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine Boost IVF Success in Endometriosis Patients
In a study conducted in northeastern China, 180 women diagnosed with endometriosis undergoing IVF treatments were divided into three groups. The study aimed to determine the impact of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine on IVF outcomes.
The Findings:
The acupuncture combined with herbal medicine group had notably higher pregnancy rates compared to those who did not receive acupuncture.
Among the three groups undergoing IVF, the one with acupuncture and herbal medicine showed significantly better outcomes in terms of oocyte retrieval, fertilization rates, implantation success, and overall pregnancy rates.
The patients receiving acupuncture combined with herbal medicine reported better satisfaction scores than those only receiving medicine.
Conclusion: The study concludes that the use of acupuncture alongside herbal medicine had a substantial positive impact on IVF outcomes for women with endometriosis. This combined approach proved more effective than solely using medicine during IVF treatments.
The winter season often brings cold weather and shorter days, making it tempting to stay indoors and cozy up on the couch. However, it’s important to ensure that your kids stay physically active even during the winter months. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends at least 1 hour of physical activity for kids every day to promote overall health and well-being. This article provides practical and interesting ways to help your children stay active during the winter season.
Quick Navigation
Indoor Exercise:
Home Play: Engage in indoor activities that get the heart rate up. Walk the dog, play indoor races, or shovel the snow together.
Creative Home Exercise: Make exercise fun by incorporating games. Play “rock, paper, scissors” with leg movements, do yoga sun salutations, or have stair races.
Movement Breaks: Encourage movement breaks every hour. Incorporate jumping jacks, push-ups, sit-ups, and squats to keep energy levels up.
Dance Challenges: Turn commercial breaks into dance contests. Use video games like Dance Dance Revolution for a fun and active experience.
Basement Activities: Jump rope, do hula-hooping, or set up an indoor obstacle course in the basement.
Outdoor Exercise:
Winter Sports: Take advantage of winter sports like sledding, skiing, and ice skating. Make them more exciting by trying variations like inner tube sledding or skating on natural frozen surfaces.
Nature Exploration: Go for walks to watch the Northern Lights or explore nearby trails. Walk to places instead of driving to incorporate exercise into daily routines.
Active Chores: Involve kids in outdoor chores like shoveling snow, raking leaves, or gardening.
Kids’ Exercise Programs:
Traditional Classes: Enroll your children in traditional options such as sports leagues, gymnastics, dance classes, or YMCA programs.
Variety of Options: Explore new opportunities like yoga, Zumba, wall climbing, in-line skating, skateboarding, and boot camps.
Endurance Training: Consider programs that train kids for marathons, triathlons, and other endurance events.
Parkour Gyms: Look for parkour gyms where kids can engage in obstacle-based training that blends running and acrobatics.
Keeping kids active during the winter is essential for their physical and mental well-being. Whether through indoor exercises, outdoor adventures, or structured programs, there are numerous ways to ensure that your children remain active and engaged during the colder months. By prioritising physical activity, you are helping them develop healthy habits that will benefit them in the long run. If you’re feeling lethargic or need support in staying motivated, consider seeking professional guidance to ensure you and your family stay active throughout the winter season.
Liddell HS et al, 
Fu Yu and Xia Tian, Shanghai Jnl Acup Moxa, 2005, Vol 3 Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion
