Turning Breech Babies November 25, 2009

Breech Presentation

Getting the diagnosis of a breech presentation is not so much fun. I have had two of those myself, one frank and one transverse, so I am no stranger to the news. I have done everything under the sun to get a baby to turn and both did ultimately-but with two totally different births.

Encouraging a baby to turn is normal. There is a point however to TRUST that some things are beyond our understanding.

There are so many suggestions for turning a breech baby:

• Laying inverted on an ironing board (this can become really uncomfortable fast)
• Hanging around the house on all fours doing continuous cat/cows (yoga moves where you gently rock your pelvis)
• Cold peas on the top of your abdomen or wherver the babies head is.
• Playing music into your pubic bone with head phones etc.
• Moxibustion, otherwise known as mugwort, burned over the baby toe.
• Chiropractic -namely the webtser technique.
• Clothes pins on the baby toes.
• Handstands in the pool.
• Visualization.
• Meditation.
• Homeopathic remedy pulsatilla
• External cephalic version.

As an acupuncturist I utilize moxibustion and acupuncture to help turn babies. I am always honest when dealing with a woman with a breech. Sometimes there are reasons way beyond our understanding that contribute to a babies lie.

My treatment usually consists of a systemic treatment to help address what is going on with mom. This could include; stress (obviously), reflux, back pain, sciatica, tight muscles, insomnia. I often open the Dai Mai which is a meridian called “the Girdle Vessel”. This extraordinary meridian runs transverse across the belly and its main function is to hold up the other meridians. Opening the Dai Mai can often help the baby find a little room to flip drop down.

A lot of times I find that babies are breech because the hip-flexors and pelvic floor needs to loosen up. Some tight ladies include runners, pilates aficionados, athletes etc. Other times babies are breech because the mom has too much water or the uterus is stretched and weak and isn’t holding the baby as tightly at term. In this case I use treatments to help strengthen her Qi.

I do burn the moxa of the baby toe in a few different ways. Occasionally I use warming needle (moxa attached to a needle) and other times direct moxa placed on cream and other times I use pole moxa. I provide mom with moxa sticks and tell her to go home and continue treatment for ten consecutive days. If baby has not turned by then to come back for another treatment. No one really understands why moxa over the baby toe works? One Western explanation may be that the baby toe is the dermatome for the sacrum. One thing is for sure moms report (and I experienced) a lot of fetal movement during the moxa treatments.

The one thing I feel that I must urge continuously is that you must TRUST that the baby and your body know what to do. Let go, relax and try not to become obsessive. This may be your first interaction with the will of your little one!

A good online resource is Spinning Babies

The following is a clinical trial done on the efficacy of moxa in turning a breech baby:

Cardini et al in 1998[7] had the following randomised controlled trial published in the Journal of American Association (JAMA)

The objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of moxibustion on Zhiyin BL-67 to correct breech presentation. 130 women having their first baby (primigravidas) at 33 gestation received moxibustion to Zhiyin Bl 67 while 130 women, also primigravidas, received no intervention.

The moxibustion was administered for 7 days .Women were then assessed and a further 7 days of moxibustion treatment given if the position had not changed.

Outcomes were measured in terms of fetal movements, as counted by the mother for one hour each day for one week and the number of cephalic presentations both at 35 weeks gestation and at delivery

At 35 weeks gestation 75.4% in the intervention group were cephalic (47.7% in the control).

Women in both groups then had the option of undergoing external cephalic version (ECV). One woman took this option from the intervention group and 24 from the control group

At delivery the presentation of 75.4% of the intervention group were cephalic compared to 62.3% in the control group.

The presentation did not change in any of the groups after 35 weeks except in those undergoing ECV. In terms of fetal movement the moxibustion group experienced a greater number of movements (a mean of 48.45 compared to the control group with a mean of 35.35).

Conclusion

That in prigravidas at 33 weeks gestation with breech presentation moxibustion treatment for 1 to 2 weeks at Zhiyin BL-67 increased fetal activity during the treatment period and cephalic presentation at 35 weeks and at delivery.

Treatment method

The women and their partner (or a person to help with the treatment) were given a treatment and taught how to use the moxibustion in a hospital appointment within 24 hours of the scan confirming the breech position. They then applied the treatment to Zhiyin BL-67 daily at home. Moxa sticks were used with the women sitting or in a semisupine position and the partner delivering the treatment.

Clinical Perspective

As part of this study an attempt was made to assess if there was a difference in delivering moxibustion sessions once or twice a day.

87 women used moxibustion for a total of 30 minutes (15 minutes to each point) while 43 women used moxibustion in the same way but received treatment twice a day.

At the end of the first week 79% of the cephalic versions were obtained in the women using moxibustion twice a day compared to 55.2 % in the daily treatments. But by the end of the second week 15 additional cephalic versions were obtained in the group having moxibustion treatment once a day.

This meant that at 35 weeks the results were termed as a nonsignificant difference (72.4% in the once a day moxibustion group compared to 81% for the women having moxibustion treatment twice a day).

From a safety perspective it was reassuring that no adverse events (such as intrauterine death or placental detachment) were noted in the treatment group. It was also interesting that while the number of premature rupture of membranes was similar in both groups the number of premature births was lower in the intervention group and that the use of oxytocin, before or during labour, was also reduced in the moxibustion group (8.6% compared to 31.3%).

visit www.ancientcurrent.com for more information or e-mail Laurel@ancientcurrent.com

Regulating the Menstrual Cycle with Chinese Medicine November 21, 2009

delta of the River Ganges

In Chinese medicine the menstrual cycle is viewed as a mirror of a woman’s health and regulating the cycle something of an art form.The heavenly waters or “Tian Gui” should come and go effortlessly and seamlessly the rising and falling of the tides. For many this is simply not so as about 42 millions American women suffer from PMS and painful periods.

Western medicine has one answer for delayed, painful, irregular, absent and heavy periods…over the counter birth control pills or OTCs. Don’t get me wrong, there is a time and place for “The Pill” but when one is attempting to regulate their cycle in order to get pregnant I just don’t get it?

Some background:
Lets take a look at the delicate interplay of hormones that constitute the female mentrual cycle. The first day of the cycle begins when the bleeding really starts. Spotting doesn’t count. Some texts state that the cycle begins the first morning you wake with a substantial bleed. This is Day 1. At this moment progesterone and estrogen are at their lowest levels. A “typical” period lasts approximately 5 days. The color should be bright red with no clots or pain.

BLOOD Stage:

Treatments are revolved around promoting a complete discharge of the Chong Mai ( a meridian called the Sea of Blood). This is a great time to use blood quickening herbs especially is someone is experiencing painful, clotty periods.

Follicular Phase: YIN

At about Day 7-Day12 this begins the follicular stage of the cycle.  At this point estrogen begins to rise and one follicle dominants. The uterine lining thickens and the glands of the cervix produce fertile mucus. In Traditional Chinese Medicine this is considered The YIN stage. We utilize blood and Yin tonics w/ small amounts of Qi moving herbs to encourage circulation. Yin tonics affect follicle.

Ovulation Day 12-14/Yin Turning to Yang

Follicle reaches optimal size (2cm across) and secretes high levels of Estrogen. Sometimes the follicle takes up to 5 days to mature. High levels of Estrogen act upon the pituitary and a LH surge occurs triggering OVULATION. During this time we use herbs and acupuncture to gently encourage the follicle to mature plus Qi quickening herbs and a few yang herbs to heat up the process.

Day 15-25-Luteal Phase-Yang Phase

During the second half of the cycle the corpus luteum produces progesterone and estrogen which stimulates the endometrium to secrete nutrients for the embryo. If an egg has been fertilized it is now traveling through the fallopian tube and will drop into the uterus about 6 days after ovulation. A rich, thick endometrail lining will create the perfect cushion for it to implant. This second half of the cycle is marked by a thermal shift of about a half of a degree to a full degree. Poor thermal shifts may indicate low progesterone levels. Cervical fluids will become drier.

If pregnancy is desired during the second half of the cycle YANG tonics are administered to help keep temperatures up. I usually recommend avoiding cold foods and drink and eating more soups and spicy foods.
12 days or more before the menstrual cycle are required for successful implantation to occur.

Some issues may be:

Low luteal phase: aging eggs may contribute to a poor corpus lutem. Progesterone support may be necessary.

Unstable Follicular Phase or delayed ovulation: Ovulation may be affected by stress. The Hypothanlamus is affected by emotions which may delay ovulation. The luteal phase is not affected by external factors.

Anovulation: some contributing factors may be PCOS, decreased body fat, stress.

Chinese medicine is a great way to regulate the cycle. Typically mentrual regulation takes about three months and includes acupuncture, herbs, dietary therapy and exercise.

Please visit www.ancientcurrent.com or e-mail Laurel@ancientcurrent.com for more information. I have offices in Ditmas Park and Park Slope, Brooklyn.

 

Calendula for Skin woes-NY Times Article November 14, 2009

Calendula is truly a God-send. With two active kids and a busy lifestyle I practically use Caledula on a daily basis. Last summer my father tackeled a garbage can on the beach while running for a frisbee and a combination of caledula for the skin abrasions and arinca for the bruising did the trick. Its perfect for diaper rash, cuts, burns…I even have my three year old saying “put some calendula on it mom”. I usually buy the Borion lotion at my local health food store.

Ny Times just ran an article:

The Alternative Medicine Cabinet: Marigolds to Soothe Skin

By ANAHAD O’CONNOR

The Remedy: Marigold extract (Calendula)

The Claim: It cures dermatitis.

The Science: The standard course of treatment for dermatitis — a catch-all term for various types of skin inflammation — usually includes powerful antibiotics and topical steroids. But herbal advocates have long promoted extracts from the plant Calendula officinalis, also known as the marigold, as a substitute. The plant is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, and studies have found it effective for several skin conditions, particularly diaper rash and acne. One study in women receiving radiation therapy for breast cancer also found that Calendula cream, which can be bought over the counter, applied to the skin a couple times a day reduced redness, pain and irritation.

The Risks: Allergic reactions are rare. But people with allergies to ragweed, chrysanthemums, daisies and marigolds are most susceptible.

November 13, 2009

He who takes medicine and neglects diet wastes the skill of his doctors- Chinese Proverb

I was inspired this month by my daughter’s dance teacher, Mrs Hendley from Breezy Point. This 86 year-old fire cracker wears a leotard and tights, thigh high stockings and teaches both ballet and tumbling to scores of three and a half year-olds. I hope to be like her when I am eighty-six!

Staying healthy is tantamount. Immune support is a particularly hot topic this fall with the H1N1 virus making the news on a daily basis. Building up your immune system is critical for staying healthy.

Immune support starts with the foods that you eat and the practices you keep. Immunity decreases with fewer hours of sleep, irregular eating patterns, foods with poor nutritional value, sugary foods and stress.

I am offering some suggestions to help keep you and your crew as healthy as can be this winter.

Sweat it out:
In Chinese medicine we discuss the notion of your Wei Qi or your protective Qi. This is the barrier that fights against oncoming pathogens. When one has a fever it is considered a struggle between the Wei Qi and the Evil Qi trying to enter the body.

The easiest place for a pathogen to enter is the nape of the neck. This point is called Fang Chi, or wind pool and lies where the head and neck meet. This point is often tender on palpation. This is why it is so important to keep your neck covered and avoid catching a chill…Okay Grandma

If you catch a slight chill and feel that you are coming down with something the best thing to do is to generate a light sweat and then get under the covers. Ways to to do this are:

-Miso soup- fermented soy products have long been touted for their medicinal uses, scallions help fight cold and the hot, steamy broth makes you sweat.

-Chicken Soup: used since the 12th century, chicken soup has all the ingredients to heal, chicken bones leach calcium, oregano is an anti-bacterial, onions, i just added cabbage to mine thanks to Salud in Ditmas Park and it packs a higher vitamin punch.

-Tea: contains powerful, cold-fighting antioxidants called tannins and catechins that effectively fight free radicals in our body. A study conducted at Harvard University found that drinking five daily cups of black tea quadrupled our immune system in just two weeks!

-Tea with a Punch/Hot toddy: 2 cups of water, one shot of whisky and a squeeze of lemon, honey. puts you into a deep sleep and makes you sweat like crazy.

-Spicy Thai Fish Soup- thank you Erika Simonian of ny-homeopathy.com. Try it at Sripaphai, probably the best Thai food outside of Thailand.

-Sauna: I grew up with some crazy Finnish cousins who had saunas in their basements. I have vivid memories of family members rolling around in the snow naked after sustaining 200 degree plus temps for extended periods of time. I am not sure if it made them stronger but it sure looked tough? For a good Russian bathhouse Sandooney on Ave I and McDonald is a personal favorite.

Some Suggestions:

-Hand-washing & moisturizing. Obvious but important. Moisturize to keep the small cracks to a minimum-especially if you’ve been washing your hands a lot.

-Keep the sinus passages moist: Neti-pot or a Sinus rinse is key.

-Sleep: 7-9 hours is best. Catching up with naps is helpful too.

-Decrease stress: exercise, meditation, reading, laughing…

-Acupuncture: naturally stimulate the immune system.

-Homeopathy: Rebekah Azzarelli, Erika Simonian

-Vitamin D3: lots of info in the news about high doses of Vitamin D3 for immunity.

Add some herbs to your diet:

-Raw Garlic-thank you Karen of Sacred Vibes Apothecary, I thought cooked was ok too but raw is superior. antiviral, anti-bacterial. A potent antimicrobial compound found in garlic called allicin has been shown to make us 3x less likely to get sick.

-Ginger root: antiviral, antibacterial, diaphoretic, soothes the stomach. Makes an awesome tea with raw honey if your throat is starting to get scratchy.

-Onion: boosts immunity, decongestant, tonifies the Lungs.

-Peppermint: anitviral, antibacterial, soothes the stomach, decongestant. Sometimes I put a little essential peppermint oil on my kids pajamas when they are congested. Just dont let them touch the oil.

-Echinacia: immune booster, tonic.

-Sage: stomach soother, antiviral, reduces fever.

-Elderberry: boosts immunity, tonic, promotes sweating. Tea or tincture works well.

Contact laurel@ancientcurrent.com for more information. Save $50 on four treatments.

NY Times Article: The Claim: Lack of Sleep Increases the Risk of Catching a Cold. November 7, 2009

By ANAHAD O’CONNOR

Published: September 21, 2009

THE FACTS As cold season approaches, many Americans stock up on their vitamin C and echinacea. But heeding the age-old advice about catching up on sleep might be more important.

 

 

Leif Parsons

Studies have demonstrated that poor sleep and susceptibility to colds go hand in hand, and scientists think it could be a reflection of the role sleep plays in maintaining the body’s defenses.

In a recent study for The Archives of Internal Medicine, scientists followed 153 men and women for two weeks, keeping track of their quality and duration of sleep. Then, during a five-day period, they quarantined the subjects and exposed them to cold viruses. Those who slept an average of fewer than seven hours a night, it turned out, were three times as likely to get sick as those who averaged at least eight hours.

Sleep and immunity, it seems, are tightly linked. Studies have found that mammals that require the most sleep also produce greater levels of disease-fighting white blood cells — but not red blood cells, even though both are produced in bone marrow and stem from the same precursor. And researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology have shown that species that sleep more have greater resistance against pathogens.

“Species that have evolved longer sleep durations,” the Planck scientists wrote, “appear to be able to increase investment in their immune systems and be better protected.”

THE BOTTOM LINE Research suggests that poor sleep can increase susceptibility to colds.

Acupuncture can help address sleep disturbances. Contact laurel@ancientcurrent.com for more information.

Sleep For Restoration November 7, 2009

The whole interest in life is journeying towards perfection. If man were born perfect there would be no joy in life. -Sufi aphorism

My husband took a long drive last weekend and resurrected a box set of Joseph Campbell’s Power of Myth. I had seen the interview with Bill Moyers on PBS and even owned the book once but listening to it again while driving through the traffic in Brooklyn had a whole different meaning.

Firstly, his voice is powerfully moving and secondly his message speaks directly to the heart. The two thoughts that I left with that I would like to share are:

1) Create a sacred place in your house. It does not have to be an alter or a shrine, just an area where you “forget who your friends are, forget what bills you have to pay and forget who you are so to speak.” This is a place where out of the stillness of reading, meditating or listening to music you can just be and let your self arise.

2) The second concept that I really loved was the notion of native Americans referring to the buffalo and to nature as “thou”. Joseph Campbell discussed the different perspective one must take thinking of everyone as a “thou” rather than an “it”.

SLEEP for mental and physical restoration.

Sleep is one of the most important aspects of life and it is something that the average person spends about a third of their life doing. Just as every person differs, sleep is a highly individualized affair as well. Everyone can agree however that one feels awful if they do not get enough of it. Even if for some people 5 hours is sufficient and for others 10 hours is required to feel “normal”.

The perfect sleep:
In traditional Chinese medicine the perfect sleep is likened to a mini death. One should enter sleep easily and wake 7-8 hours later completely rested and refreshed having absolutely no recollection of any dreams.

Insomnia in Chinese medicine:
When a person suffers from insomnia, the two organs most often out of balance are the Heart and the Liver. Each of these two organs houses a specific aspect of the spirit. If these organs are out of balance, they will not be able to house the spirit properly, and the spirit will wander.

Blood reserves and sleep:
Sleep is dependent upon the amount of blood in the body. Blood is needed to help ground the spirit at night so that a deep sleep will come naturally. Pregnant women often remark that they feel calmer and I think that the increased blood volume has something to do with that.

Dreaming in Chinese medicine:
Dreams are considered to be a continuation of over-thinking.
Highly fantastical dreams like flying, slaying dragons, nightmares, etc relate to the HEART.  Rote, life-like dreams are usually related to the SPLEEN. I’ve had people tell me that they dream about alphabetizing things from work or just going about their day as usual busily performing tasks in their sleep as if the day never ended. Usually dreaming leaves people feeling tired in the morning.

Patterns:
In Chinese medicine all disorders are broken down into clusters of symptoms or patterns that help differentiate each case. Usually people exhibit a few symptoms from one or more pattern. The language is from traditional Chinese medicine and as you can tell may seem a little different than average American vernacular.

1) Liver depression transforming into fire: (people under long term stress)
Insomnia, irritability, bitter taste, headache, blood shot eyes, constipation.

2) Phlegm harassing the heart:
(more common in overweight individuals)
Insomnia, heaviness of the head, copious phlegm, distending pain, aversion to eating, belching, acid regurgitation, nausea, irritability, bitter taste in the mouth.

3) Yin vacuity with effulgent fire:(common in postpartum women, students, people who work late hours or have had a history of drug use)
Insomnia, irritability, dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, aching of the lower back, dry mouth, usually wakes in the middle of the night, heat in the palms or soles of the feet, forgetfulness.

4) Heart and Spleen vacuity:
(students, postpartum women, worry warts)
Frequent dreaming, light sleep, difficulty falling asleep, ruminating before bedtime, dizzy spells, tiredness, listlessness, vertigo.

5) Heart and Gallbladder insufficiency: (menopausal women, people under stress)
Insomnia, frequent dreaming, tendency to wake startled, palpitations, prone to fright, shortness of breath, timidity, copious, clear urine.

Acupuncture and herbs can help target your specific pattern and restore rest.

I always recommend eating some foods to help boost the blood.

Some foods are:

* red colored foods such as berries, cherries, pomegranate
* red meat in moderation
* floradix (vegetarian iron supplement)
* beets

Contact Laurel@ancientcurrent.com for more information.

Postpartum Recovery & Breastfeeding Dietary Suggestions November 5, 2009

“The first duty is to take care of the body, which is the means to the pursuit of spiritual life.”
-Sanskrit proverb

Chinese Confinement-”Zuo Yuezi”

When I was studying Chinese medicine I had always heard about this 30-day indoor period that was required after childbirth. I chalked it up to the lack of indoor heating in 300BC and the fact that some traditions never die but I have to say I am starting to think that there is more to it than that. I definitely didn’t stay indoors for 30 days-I was eager to get out and mingle with other moms, push my stroller around and well, just get more tired. So I started thinking that maybe some elements of this confinement period would be really useful.

The idea that the body needs to recover after childbirth is no mystery-but just how long? The western concept is 6-weeks for a vaginal birth but what can you do during that 6 weeks? You are still allowed to shower, drink water and eat vegetables-all activities that are forbidden in traditional Chinese post-partum recovery.

The theory is that the body is very weak after childbirth and there is usually substantial blood loss. This makes the body more susceptible to chills and pathogens which will further weaken the woman. Not showering keeps the pores closed and pathogens out.

Cold foods also weaken digestion and can dilute the blood which, needs to be thickened. As a matter of fact the whole body is considered “cold” after childbirth so all the foods are aimed at “warming up” the body.

She must stay at home and stay warm. She must avoid cold temperatures, cold water, cold wind and cold foods. She must refrain from washing her hands, take occasional warm baths and only eat certain “warming” foods.

Stricter rules include, no drinking water (only boiled red date water) and absolutely no washing your hair for 30 days. Youch! I think I’ll go for the ginger laden foods and have some people come over and help!

Some warming foods include:

* Chicken with sesame and ginger
* Pig trotters in vinegar-?? Go figure?
* Boiled red dates
* Ginger

Recipes & Breastfeeding Foods
Congee or Jook is a great food for getting the body up and running fast. Congee is a diluted rice soup that is very easy to digest…and it can me made a million ways. The following recipe is great for post-partum recovery because the adzuki beans help tonify the blood, the sesame oil nourishes the uterus and ginger and garlic keep the internal organs warm.

Ingredients:

* 1 cup of rice (white, brown, jasmine etc)
* 1/3 cup adzuki beans
* 6-10 cups of water
* 2 scallion stalks
* decent wedge of ginger
* 2 garlic cloves
* sesame oil to taste
* soy sauce to taste
* salt & pepper to taste

Preparation:
Cook the rice and beans with the water in a pressure cooker or regular pot. Bring to a rapid boil and then let it simmer for about an hour or two. The mixture should be the consistency of drippy gruel when it is complete.

In a seperate pot saute the ginger & garlic and add to completed congee.  You can also add cooked chicken or pork to the soup. Garnish with scallions and sesame oil….. Delicious.

Breastfeeding Foods:
Potential Irritants:
·    Chocolate
·    Tomatoes
·    Dairy
·    Beans, tofu, tempeh
·    Citrus fruits
·    Cabbage family, kale, broccoli
·    Dried fruits
·    Peanuts
·    Caffeine
·    Bubbly drinks
·    Garlic and onions

Beneficial Foods:
·    Rice, grains
·    Spelt bread
·    Avocado.papaya
·    Salad
·    Carrots, squash
·    Apples, pears, bananas
·    Eggs
·    Cranberry juice
·    Fennel, fennel tea (Mother’s Milk tea)
·    Seaweed
·    Amazake, mochi
·    Chicken and Fish
·    Almond milk
·    Protein shakes

Acupuncture treatments are also fabulous to help restore mom after the long journey.

Treatment within the first few days of pregnancy is geared towards moving blood through the uterus to ensure that all of the products of birth are out. After three days or so treatments involve a lot of moxa to help warm the center to strengthen mom. These treatments are suitably called “mother warming”.

Autumn & Letting Go November 5, 2009

“All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on.”
Havelock Ellis

Autumn is upon us and what a fabulous time to DETOXIFY your body and mind. Just as the universe is casting out its bright colors in the last moments of autumn, people too can choose to hold onto experiences from the past year or let them go.

Are you ready to let go? Ann Landers said that “hanging onto resentment is like letting someone live rent free in your head.” From a Chinese medicine point of view, resentment, food stagnation and toxins cause inevitable sickness and unhappiness. Stop the cycle now.

Autumn & The METAL Element

The METAL element in Traditional Chinese medicine is synonymous with refined taste, the spark of creativity, the brilliance of diamonds, the shine of polished silver and the sentiment of respect. Metal can be manifested in one’s feeling of self-worth and their inherent value.

The METAL element is manifested in the outside world in the season autumn. The fall is the turning point when all of nature’s bounty reaches its apex and turn towards decline. Decaying plants, leaves and foods left over from spring and summer pour nutrients back into the earth ensuring future growth in the spring.

Fall is also the season characterized by the Lungs and the Large Intestines. The lungs are in charge of pulling in fresh energy from the cosmos and literally providing INSPIRATION….whilst the large intestine lets go of the body’s impurities. Some texts state that individuals who suffer from chronic diarrhea suffer from an inability to hold onto what is beneficial for them while those suffering from constipation are unable to let go of what is toxic for them. Do any of these concepts resonate with you?

for more information contact Laurel@ancientcurrent.com

Vitex Agnus Castus, Chasteberry October 31, 2009

Vitex Agnus Castus or Chasteberry is a magical herb for women. In Western herbalism Vitex is used for a myriad of conditions surrounding the female reproductive system including luteal phase insufficiency (which often results in miscarriage or infertility), infertility, PCOS, amenorrhea, PMS and menopausal symptoms. Many herbs show properties of phyto-estrogens very few have phyto-progestin properties. However, Vitex is one of them.

Numerous studies have found that the berries of the plant act on the hypothalamus and the pituitary glands by increasing LH (lutenizing hormone) and mildly inhibiting the release of FSH (Follicle stimulating hormone). High levels of prolactin are also found with corpus luteum insufficiency and Vitex can also be used to regulate those levels.

The following article is from Tori Hudson’s site on the use of Vitex to Reduce PMS

Vitex and PMS in Chinese Women

July 21st, 2009 by Tori Hudson, N.D.

Chinese women suffering from moderate to severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) were studied in a prospective, double-blind, placebo controlled, parallel-group, multi-center clinical trial. A Vitex agnus castus extract, contained 4.0 mg of dried ethanolic (70%).

The mean total Premenstrual Syndrome Diary (PMSD) score decreased from 29.23 at baseline to 6.41 at the end of the third cycle for the Vitex group and from 28.14 at baseline to 12.64 at the end of the third cycle for the placebo group. The difference in the PMSD score from baseline to the third cycle was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the placebo group. The Premenstrual Tension Syndrome Self-Rating Scale (PMTS) decreased from 26.17 at baseline to 9.92 for the treatment group and from 27.10 to 14.59 for the placebo group; similar positive results to the PMSD scores.

Comments: I’ve long used Vitex for the treatment of PMS and in my opinion, it is the single most important plant for the treatment of PMS. The effect of Vitex is on the hypothalamus-hypophysis axis and results in an increased secretion of luteinizing hormone which then favors a progesterone effect. Several other placebo controlled studies have found that Vitex reduced a variety of PMS symptoms. The current study adds to the clinical relevance of this plant in the treatment of moderate to severe symptoms of PMS.

References

He Z, Chen R, Zhou Y, et al. Treatment for premenstrual syndrome with Vitex agnus castus: A prospective, randomized, multi-center placebo controlled study in China. Maturitas 2009; 63:99-103

Acupuncture can also be helpful in regulating the menses…see post on how TCM regulates the menstrual cycle.

Contact Laurel@ancientcurrent.com for more information.

Postpartum Anxiety October 31, 2009

I read an article yesterday in Cookie Magazine at my local soup shop about postpartum anxiety and I realized that I see more women suffering from postpartum anxiety than postpartum depression. The need for modern woman to wear so many hats is definitely taking its toll on women’s sanity. Women are waiting longer to have babies and requiring more and more assisted reproductive technology. Plus we are supposed to have thriving careers, perfect bodies and clean homes…how can we do it all?

In Chinese Medicine birthing is considered the biggest drain on a woman’s essence or jing.

Jing is basically your battery reserve of strength for life. Everyone is born with a certain amount at birth and the levels are steadily used to sustain life. Jing essence is exceedingly difficult to replace (some ancients believe that qi gong, meditation and a few supplements like cordyceps can do so).

Jing is drawn steadily from the kidneys to support the aging process and is burned rapidly through stressful events, medications and stimulants that tap the adrenals. It is far better to pull the energy you need from the food you eat and sleep you get than use your reserves.

In order to do everything that you can to preserve Jing traditional culture recommends rising with the sun and sleeping with the setting sun, resting during the menses, avoiding intercourse during the menses and refraining from stimulants.

Postpartum anxiety is a syndrome where the mother is overly anxious, suffering from paranoid thoughts, obsessive compulsive behaviors, sleep disorders and physical issues like palpitations. Many women are stressed about the well-being of the baby and even possibly concerned that they will harm their own baby (i havent met anyone with this extreme condition). If your condition persists for more that two weeks or you have thoughts of harming your baby, you need to speak with your Dr immediately.

From a TCM point of view postpartum women are extremely blood deficient. The body’s blood volume has practically doubled throughout pregnancy to support the fetus; the hair gets luxurious, nails long and strong and little wrinkles disappear. Postpartum is a different story. Childbirth itself is pretty bloody-especially if you have had a C-section. Nursing also depletes the bodies fluid levels. When blood and fluid levels get low there is a phenomenon in Chinese medicine called Liver Blood or/or Heart Blood/Yin Deficiency. This can manifest as disturbed sleep, palpitations, dry mouth, agitation, anxiety, trouble concentrating…

Chinese medicine treats postpartum anxiety really well. There are many classical herbal formulas to address both the root and symptom of postpartum anxiety or if you are concerned about taking herbs and nursing acupuncture alone may be the way to go.

Dietary therapy is helpful as well. I always make sure a woman is taking:

• Fish Oil
• Floradix: veggie iron supplement
• Eating Black foods to nourish the Kidneys (home to Jing Essence): black beans, fish, black sesame seeds, molasses, seaweed

• Also consider: dandelion and nettles to boost iron and calcium

e-mail: laurel@ancientcurrent.com for more information.