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Fertility, IVF and Acupuncture books

Among the good strategies of dealing with the stress of infertility and IVF is getting more information about your condition and what you can do. Another one is reading stories of people who have been in your situation. Here are some books that address both of these approaches.

One, The Infertility Cure, is on acupuncture and fertility, but it also gives you a good roundup of what you can do yourself, offering a holistic approach to overcoming infertility. Drawing on the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine, the Dr Lewis presents TCM understanding of reproductive health that helps couples identify and treat the root causes of their fertility issues. By combining acupuncture, herbal therapy, and other natural remedies, this book aims to help individuals balance their reproductive systems and achieve optimal health for successful conception. Dr Lewis’s comprehensive guide provides a thorough understanding of the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit in the context of fertility, empowering readers with knowledge and hope. This holistic perspective allows couples to regain control of their reproductive health and improve their chances of conceiving naturally.

Another one recommended read by one of my patients is Legs Up and Laughing. In this book, Vanessa Bates takes you on her “Big Great Fertility Ride”. This one is for you AND your partner. It’s a refreshingly honest and funny memoir that chronicles one woman’s tumultuous yet heartwarming journey to parenthood.

In this deeply personal and often hilarious account, Vanessa shares her intimate struggles with IVF, her fierce determination to become a mother, and the love and support she receives from her friends, family, and a partner who refuses to give up on their dreams of parenthood.

As you delve into Vanessa’s story, you’ll be reminded of the importance of resilience, optimism, and the power of laughter in the face of adversity. Her journey serves as a reminder that even when life throws you curveballs, it’s possible to come out stronger and with a renewed sense of hope.

Acupuncture for allergic rhinitis

A large controlled trial on acupuncture and allergic rhinitis or hay fever was performed in Germany by Charité University.

4,743 of 5,237 patients suffering from allergic rhinitis patients received 15 acupuncture sessions. 494 patients were assigned to the control group.

The researchers used the Rhinitis Quality of Life Questionnaire evaluates the results after three and six months following the acupuncture.

The researchers conclude that treating patients with allergic rhinitis in routine care with additional acupuncture leads to clinically relevant and persistent benefits.

The study was published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Acupuncture Carpal Tunnel

A group of researchers from Department of Neurology, Kuang Tien General Hospital in Taiwan decided to compare the efficacy of acupuncture and steroid treatment in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

They found acupuncture to be as effective as steroids and improved symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, weakness and clumsiness. Acupuncture improved sleep and was significantly better than corticosteroids at reducing awakening at night experienced by carpal tunnel patients.

Mayo Clinic: Because oral corticosteroids affect your entire body instead of a particular area, this form is the most likely to cause significant side effects. Side effects depend on the dose of medication you receive. Within days or weeks of starting oral therapy, you may have an increased risk of:

Elevated pressure in the eyes (glaucoma)

Fluid retention, causing swelling in your lower legs

Increased blood pressure

Mood swings

Weight gain, with fat deposits in your abdomen, face and the back of your neck

Acupuncture is very safe when administered by a qualified practitioner. Side effects are extremely rare and usually mild. It is a clear winner, especially for patients who are health conscious or can not tolerate steroid treatment.

Reference: The Clinical journal of pain, 2009 May, Mayo clinic