Women's Health

For the past 26 years, Dr. Diana Li and Dr. Franklyn Chen have had amazing results treating women with conditions related to infertility, menopause, PMS, thyroid imbalance, breast cancer, ovarian cysts, yeast infections, urinary /bladder infections, and more.

Especially prominent has been their success overcoming female infertility. In Nova Scotia in the last year, 2004, alone the Doctors achieved five pregnancies and one successful delivery of an 11 pound 4 ounce beautiful, healthy baby boy.

When women follow their Program the Doctors calculate an 80% fertility success rate.

Dr. Li and Dr. Chen's Program is complete in itself. It can also work in support of conventional infertility treatments. As well as our pre-natal care to ensure a healthy mother and child we offer post-natal care to ensure the continued health of the mother and child.

Dr. Li and Dr. Chen have been especially successful in treating women with severe menopausal symptoms, which include hot flashes, depression, anxiety, night sweats, weight problems, fatigue, etc. The success rate in treating severe menopausal symptoms is nearly 85%. "We not only treat the symptoms but the cause of the disease. We treat the whole person including imbalances in the reproductive system and digestive system to build up the life force and overall balance.

Dr. Diana Tong Li and Dr. Franklyn Chen, Dr. of Acupuncture, Drs. of Naturopathy, Drs. of Traditional Chinese Medicine at S-T/L-C Acupuncture & Natural Medicine Clinics have been treating thousands of patients over the past 26 years for various medical conditions. Our patients have great results, and our treatments are among the best because we use natural therapy without medications, pain, or side effects.

The S-T/L-C Clinics have an excellent history of treating the various conditions and illnesses that can develop, such as asthma, allergies, arthritis, addictions (including smoking), depression, digestive disorders, bronchitis, fatigue, infertility, pain conditions, sinusitis, weight problems, yeast infection, colds, and flu. Infertility is listed as one of the most important conditions that has been successfully treated by Drs. Diana Li and Franklyn Chen.

When helping a patient we always recommend an initial consultation so that the Doctors can thoroughly understand the patient's medical history, current condition, personality. They take the opportunity to know the person better. This greatly helps the patient to feel more comfortable and builds a personal relationship between the Doctor and patient.

Women wishing to become pregnant but are unable can take comfort in the fact that the S-T and L-C Acupuncture and Naturopathy Clinics have helped and are currently helping women in a similar situation. The caring staffs of both clinics are prepared to help you regain hope in creating a miracle. Using a variety of both high tech and traditional natural techniques to help regulate organ function, increase circulation, eliminate harmful toxins in the body.

At S-T/L-C Acupuncture and Natural Medicine Clinic we are also treating many other female conditions or illnesses including internal organ disorder and imbalance. When helping women we always recommend an initial consultation so that the Doctors can thoroughly understand the patient's medical history, current condition, and personality.

After the initial consultation, testing may be necessary. At the S-T/L-C Clinics we offer a variety of both high tech and traditional natural testing techniques such as the Vega Allergy Test, the Organ Function Test, and the Live Blood Test to determine the cause of the illnesses and the conditions.

The Vega Allergy Test can detect allergies and sensitivities to more the two hundred different items such as: foods, pollen, mold, chemicals, animal hair, and dental material. It can also identify hidden allergies. The Vega Testing is accurate, safe, and painless. After identifying sensitive items it is easy to set up a personalized diet plan and treatment program. The Vega Test determines the suitability of vitamins, minerals, herbs and Homeopathic Remedies that you are taking.

The Organ Function Test identifies the source of the illness at the organ level. It determines which organs have a functional disorder or imbalance. Like the Vega Allergy Test, the Organ Function Test is also accurate, safe, and painless.

The Live Blood Test allows the Doctors to check the patient's health on a cellular level. The child and parent can view digestive patterns, nutritional deficiencies, and immune system problems live on screen. From a small finger prick the fats and proteins in the bloodstream can be seen as well as any vitamin, mineral, and enzyme deficiencies. The white blood cells can be monitored in action and yeasts and parasites can be spotted.

After the consultation and the testing we then thoroughly understand the patient's condition. We can develop a personalized treatment program which not only treats the symptoms but the disease, the source of the disease, and the whole person. The treatments may include Acupuncture, Cupping Therapy, Massage Therapy, Acupressure Massage, Herbology, Reflexology, Reiki energy work, and many others. We have successfully treated many patients with this regime of treatments.

The Cupping Therapy is an ancient technique designed specifically to increase circulation and regulate internal organ function. This unique treatment heats air inside cups which when applied to the back bilaterally creates suction. This suction works to regulate the internal organs, the nervous system, and the glandular system. It also removes excess tension from the muscles supporting the spinal column. This helps improve many musculo-skeletal pain conditions.

S-T/ L-C Acupuncture and Natural Medicine Clinic treats a wide range of women’s health conditions using Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Dr. Diana Tong Li and Dr. Franklyn S. Chen, in their combined 52 years practice, have been paying special attention to women’s health. They have treated thousands of women with different conditions with excellent results. They specialize in infertility, and have brought happiness to a lot of families. For details please click on Infertility.

Anemia

Anemia affects an estimated 400 million women worldwide, and most women are unaware of the symptoms and tend to attribute such mild symptoms to the stresses of modern life. It literally means "without blood" and refers to a condition in which the blood is deficient in red blood cells (RBC's) or the hemoglobin (iron-containing) portion of RBC's.

The primary function of the RBC's is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the cells of the body in exchange for carbon dioxide. Because the cells have less oxygen available to them, they have less energy to perform their normal functions.

Anemia is caused by excessive blood loss, excessive RBC destruction or deficient RBC production. There are several types, with iron deficiency anemia being the most common. Iron is an important factor because it is used to make hemoglobin. In the US, 20% of all women of childbearing age have iron deficiency anemia, compared to only 2% of men. The difference is that women can lose an excessive amount of blood during menstruation.

Also, not eating enough iron-rich foods or not absorbing enough iron can compound the problem. Chronic diseases that inhibit formation of new blood or cause blood loss can contribute to anemia. Examples of such diseases are peptic ulcer, bone marrow disease and bleeding hemorrhoids.

In the Chinese medical tradition, blood is the material foundation for bone, nerve, skin, muscle and organ creation. It also contains the Shen (spirit) which balances the psyche. Iron-deficiency anemia comes closest to the usual description of what is called "blood deficiency" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). But the TCM view of blood deficiency doesn't completely correspond to the Western medical concept of anemia. From a symptomatic perspective, there are typical indicators of blood deficiency, which sometimes overlap and sometimes differ in the two medical systems.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms- pale or sallow complexion, pale lips and nailbeds, fatigue, dizziness, increased heart rate, sore or swollen tongue, shortness of breath, headache, irritability, and ringing in the ears-you may be anemic. Some people display an unusual symptom of having cravings for ice, dirt or paint. Look for these symptoms as well: blood deficiency in TCM can present with heart palpitations, blurry vision, insomnia, numbness of the limbs, scanty periods, delayed menstruation, or no periods. Also there could be unusual hair loss, premature graying and thin dry hair, dry skin and poor appetite.

The first step in treating anemia is to pinpoint the underlying cause through a complete diagnostic workup by a qualified health care professional. If you have a disease that causes anemia, such as peptic ulcer, you'll need to get the condition under control. If it's due to a poor diet, this can be easily corrected. If you suspect that you might be anemic, we can order a blood test that measures your RBC's, hemoglobin, hematocrit and serum ferritin (determines body iron stores).

Treatment of iron deficiency anemia with TCM most often revolves around acupuncture and Chinese herbs to nourish the blood and tonify the qi (energy), along with recommending a diet rich in iron. Then, if necessary, iron supplements can be used. The recommended daily allowance for iron ranges from 6 mg for infants to 30 mg for pregnant women. Consult your practitioner for proper dosage. One needs to be careful in not getting too much iron from supplements; excessive amounts of iron can cause constipation, impair the uptake of essential trace minerals, and at worst, high levels of iron in the blood may increase the risk of a heart attack. You can increase dietary fiber to prevent constipation.

Foods to eat that are good sources of iron for mild cases of anemia or blood deficiency are green, leafy vegetables, dried beans, blackstrap molasses, dried apricots, prunes, raisins and other dried fruits, almonds, seaweeds, parsley, whole grains and yams. When anemia or blood deficiency is severe, try beef liver, lean meat, oysters, lamb or chicken.

Foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus, tomatoes and strawberries or vitamin C supplements greatly enhance the absorption of iron from foods. Foods to avoid that interfere with iron absorption are tea, coffee, wheat bran, spinach, Swiss chard, rhubarb, chocolate, soft drinks, beer, ice cream and candy bars. Antacids and overuse of calcium supplements also decreases iron absorption.

Breath Health

The most common reason women seek medical consultation for breast symptoms is for breast lumps or cysts, and approximately half of all women who go to doctors go because they have some kind of breast pain. Breast pain that comes and goes depending on the menstrual cycle is usually caused by excess hormonal stimulation of the breast from excessive estrogen, excessive caffeine intake, or even chronic stress. It is not a risk factor for cancer. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the liver meridian links with the breast, and the entire breast region is strongly influenced by the liver. If the liver qi becomes congested in the breast region, there will be pain, distention and even masses, all of which may fluctuate with the menstrual cycle, being most pronounced in the days immediately prior to menstruation. In TCM terms, emotions are by far the most important (if not the only) cause of liver qi congestion. A state of frustration, irritation, repressed anger or resentment over a long period of time can cause the circulation to be impeded so that qi does not flow smoothly and it becomes stuck resulting in liver qi congestion.

The link between mild breast pain and breast cancer is very low, and the majority of breast lumps are benign. But, of course, it is always recommended that a woman see her physician or gynecologist if she is having significant breast pain to determine if a lump is benign or malignant. It is nearly impossible to distinguish a benign from a malignant breast lump simply from palpation (manual inspection). Your doctor can give you a complete breast examination and general health work-up. Once it has been determined that a breast condition is benign, a woman can take steps to alleviate or reduce those symptoms with natural measures, such as:

Diet
Follow a diet that minimizes excess estrogen in your system. Breast tissue is extremely sensitive to high fat (especially saturated and trans-fat), high-carbohydrate diets, which raise estrogen levels. Excess estrogen stimulates breast tissue, resulting in breast pain and cyst formation in many women.

• Eat plenty of soluble fiber from vegetable sources, especially cruciferous vegetables-- cabbage, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts and turnips.
• Eat soy foods such as tofu, miso and tempeh.
• Consume sea vegetables for their mineral and iodine content. Iodine can relieve breast pain.
• Eliminate or reduce dairy products due to the large amount of antibiotics and hormones fed to cows, which can potentially affect women's breasts.
• Eliminate caffeine. Coffee, caffeinated sodas, colas and chocolate can cause overstimulation of breast tissue in some women.

Most women with cyclic breast pain and swelling benefit from eating a whole-foods, low-fat diet.

Supplements

• Evening primrose oil and gamma linolenic acid can help relieve breast tenderness.
• Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil and flaxseed oil can help reduce breast pain.
• Take a good quality multivitamin/mineral supplement containing high levels of vitamin E (400 to 600 IU per day).

Other

• Exercise
• Don't wear underwire bras. They cut off the circulation of both blood and lymph around the breast, chest wall and surrounding tissue.
• Most Important -- Always do a monthly breast self-examination.
• Use breast thermography as a health screen to identify breast changes as early as possible, including: cancer, fibrocystic breast disease, local injury, infections, or vascular disease.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
TCM, which includes acupuncture and Chinese herbs, is very effective in reducing the liver qi congestion that can affect the breasts. TCM can make a positive contribution to a woman's breast condition in practically every case. It can reduce the size of lumps, make the breasts less swollen and tender, along with treating PMS, regulating periods and reducing stress.

Breast Thermography

Digital breast thermography, or Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI), is a noninvasive screening procedure that detects and records infrared heat emissions from the breast. The visual image, or thermogram, maps variations in skin temperature that may indicate underlying vascular, muscular and neural disease.

DITI is especially useful for detecting early lesions before they otherwise become clinically evident. These changes could accompany cancer, fibrocystic breast disease, local injury, infections or vascular disease. No radiation is used by thermography, and there is no discomfort during the examination.

Exercise & Fitness for Women

Exercise helps you look and feel your best and improves your overall health. It provides you with a fit body and enables you to live energetically, enjoy life more, and improve your mental efficiency.

Fitness means having efficient circulation, muscular strength, flexibility, stamina and good balance. Regular physical activity minimizes the risk of heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers, such as colon cancer, along with numerous other conditions.

For women in particular, exercise decreases the risk of breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers. These cancers are related to estrogen, and higher body fat is associated with higher levels of estrogen. Women who exercise regularly tend to be leaner, therefore having less stored estrogen.

It also reduces the risk of osteoporosis, as well as reducing or improving symptoms of PMS and menopause, including depression and negative moods.

If the health benefits of exercise aren't convincing enough, studies have shown that regular exercise significantly increases life expectancy. The Nurse's Health Study, a 16-year study of 80,000 healthy women, found that those who are more physically active are at a reduced mortality risk than those who are less active. Aside from longevity, most women are also concerned with the quality of those extra years. Exercise plays an important role in keeping women more independent as they head into their advanced years.

Health, vitality and long life are desirable goals for everyone, but they are not achieved without effort. Cardiovascular exercises are most effective in improving fitness and health. If you have been inactive for a long period of time, it's important to start out slowly.

You can't get fit in a week, but you can get a long way towards it in a month. Safe and injury-free workouts require certain precautions before beginning a new exercise program, including seeing your healthcare practitioner first for a physical examination. Women over 50 should have an exercise stress test to check for any underlying heart problems.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the spleen, liver and kidneys correspond to the muscles, tendons and bones. Your fitness program would benefit from integrating acupuncture and herbs, with the emphasis on tonifying and nourishing the muscles, tendons and bones. Regular acupuncture treatments and herbs are useful for preventing injuries as well as treating the pain and inflammation if you should suffer from an exercise injury.

SOMA Acupuncture offers a Metabolic Weight Management Program, if losing weight is one of your goals, which can be incorporated into your work-out routine. Ask us about the program and consider acupuncture and herbs for overall health maintenance and prevention.

Always choose an activity that you enjoy, so that there is less chance of dropping out. Don't make it a chore or a bore. You could buddy-up with a friend to keep each other on track. Dancing, swimming, walking and cycling are but a few of the ways to get you moving. Remember, any amount of physical activity is better than none at all. Whether you want to improve your health or control your weight (or both), the important thing is to start exercising now. It's never too late to begin. Be sure to have fun though!

Infertility and Chinese Medicine

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after two years of trying. When a couple is unable to conceive a child, it can be heartbreaking. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers hope to the childless couple by establishing harmony within the body.
The benefits of acupuncture and TCM for conception problems can be found in early Chinese medical literature dating back to 11 A.D. Not only does traditional Chinese medicine improve the probability of becoming pregnant, it also serves to enhance the function of the whole body. This holistic health approach provides a key to unlocking unlimited potential in healing. This is especially important for people over 40 as it stimulates overall health which in turn affects reproductive health.

If they so choose, couples (both the man and the woman) can undergo a complete Western medical reproductive work-up to determine the cause of their infertility. Western medical methods for treating infertility are highly technical and expensive. Recent reports indicate a relatively low success rate with Western medicine, making alternative methods, such as TCM, seem more attractive.

Traditional Chinese medicine can be used to strengthen and balance general health so that Western medical infertility treatments are more effective. TCM can also minimize the undesired side effects and accumulated toxicity from invasive procedures and drug therapies. Of course, TCM for infertility can be used alone or integrated with Western medical techniques.
Traditional Chinese medicine treats infertility on the basis of a careful differential diagnosis to resolve underlying patterns of disharmony. There is either a "deficient" condition that leads to poor nourishment of the body and organs or an "excess" condition that obstructs the organs and meridians (energy channels).

Fertility is seen as dependent on the harmonious balance of several factors; your Qi, Yin, Yang and Blood must all be in balance. Your TCM practitioner will thoroughly examine your overall health to pinpoint where imbalances lie; and your treatment is always individualized. In addition to acupuncture and taking herbs, lifestyle changes are crucial-proper diet, stress reduction and regular exercise need to accompany treatment. Everything you do to better your chances will be worth the effort.
On a personal note, we have two good friends, both in their 40's, who wholeheartedly attribute getting pregnant and having healthy babies with the aid of acupuncture and Chinese herbs. A wonderful success story for both of them!

In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Acupuncture
A recent study published in Fertility and Sterility found that 26% of women undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) became pregnant following the procedure compared to 43% who received acupuncture before and after IVF. This represents a nearly 50% increase in effectiveness of IVF combined with acupuncture. Women in both groups were matched for age, number of transferred embryos and number of previous cycles among other criteria. As IVF is an expensive procedure, increasing pregnancy rates with acupuncture can save women both money as well as decrease emotional distress associated with the repeated use of this procedure.

According to another study recently published in the journal Medical Acupuncture, acupuncture may stimulate egg follicle development in women undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF). In a small study of six women who all had difficulty with follicle production despite maximum hormonal therapy, three produced significantly more follicles with acupuncture treatment and all three conceived, although only one pregnancy lasted past the first trimester. Acupuncture also appeared to increase estrogen levels.

Heart Health for Women

Are you aware that heart disease is the #1 killer of women in the US? Many women think it's a man's problem, but it's very much a woman's problem. Most research on the subject has been done on men; yet older men and women (over 60) have similar rates of heart attack.

Medical scientists have discovered many differences in the way women and men are treated for heart disease. For example, women are often referred for coronary bypass surgery at a later stage of the disease than men, which may account for their higher death rate from this surgery.

As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But, women often experience symptoms that most people don't think to associate with heart attacks, such as severe indigestion or nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness, severe pain in the jaw, neck, shoulder or arm, palpitations and sweating.

Cardiovascular disease affects women of all racial and ethnic groups, with African American women more likely to die of heart disease than white women. It's alarming to note that fewer than one in ten women today consider heart disease as their greatest health threat.

How to Identify Your Risk of Heart Disease
So, how does a women know she's at risk for heart disease? Here are some of the risk factors:

• Over age 50
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Family history of heart disease'
• Hysterectomy with removal of ovaries before age 45
• Stress and certain personality factors: habitual impatience, hostility, anger, high competitive drive.
• Oral contraceptives
• Absence of a social network

The more risk factors you have, the more likely you'll develop cardiovascular disease. Some factors can't be controlled, such as getting older, family health history and race. And a woman's probability of developing heart disease soars after she goes through menopause.

In the past, taking hormone replacement therapy or HRT was thought to help protect women against cardiovascular disease. But recent findings from the Women's Health Initiative Study showed that taking HRT poses more risks than benefits. The study found that HRT could actually increase a woman's risk for heart disease. The US Preventive Services Task Force now recommends that post-menopausal women should not be given HRT to prevent cardiovascular disease.

How to Reduce Your Heart Disease Risk
The good news is that cardiovascular disease is largely preventable with healthy lifestyle changes. Simple steps that you can take to reduce your risk of developing heart disease and to keep your heart healthy and strong are:

• Quit smoking.
• Lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. Cut back on foods high in saturated fat, trans-fats and cholesterol. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and grains.
• Control cholesterol. Get it checked.
• Control high blood pressure.
• If you have diabetes, monitor and control your blood sugar levels.
• Exercise.
• Reduce stress.
• Oral contraceptives. If you are over 40 and have other heart disease risk factors, you may want to reconsider your use of birth control pills.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM, the heart corresponds to the emotion of joy. Regular expressions of joy and creativity are important for a healthy and functioning heart. TCM, which includes acupuncture and Chinese herbs, can be incorporated into your steps toward reducing your cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Acupuncture and herbs can help with stopping smoking (through our Acuquit program), control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and lower stress.

Better lifestyle habits will aid you in reducing your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Change isn't always easy, but with support from your health care practitioner, family and friends, you can introduce healthy habits into your daily routine. Before you know it, you'll be that much closer to having a healthy heart and body.

Hormone Replacement Therapy - Worth the Risk?

Should you use hormone replacement therapy (HRT)? That is the question for many women approaching menopause. The decision has become more complicated in light of new research that shows that even though estrogen lowers cholesterol, it doesn't necessarily protect coronary arteries.

Preliminary results of a major long-term study suggest that HRT in post-menopausal women may actually increase chances for stroke or heart attack. This is from a study called the Women's Health Initiative conducted by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute in Bethesda, MD.

Circulating estrogen has long been touted as protecting the heart from heart disease. But, estrogen dramatically increases the risk of endometrial (the lining of the uterus) cancer. It was discovered that adding progesterone can counteract the danger of uterine cancer. Estrogen also increases the risk of breast cancer. Now it appears that progesterone can increase the risk of breast cancer also (Journal of the American Medical Association, Jan. 26, 2000). Doctors point out that heart disease kills more women per year than breast cancer.

But if, as scientists now suspect, estrogen does not prevent heart disease, then the benefit-risk ratio changes significantly. The Estrogen Replacement and Atherosclerosis (ERA) study just out demonstrates that neither Premarin (estrogen) or Prempo (estrogen plus progesterone) is better than a placebo at preventing plaque from building up in coronary arteries. This new information creates confusion for women.

Research is being carried out all the time on the effects of hormone replacement therapy, so that new findings are reported every few months. A woman and her practitioner need to assess the pros and cons of HRT. Now more than ever, each woman's individual medical history, risks and fears must be considered.

What about Alternatives to Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Some women can't or don't want to take hormones. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which includes acupuncture and Chinese herbs, excels at reducing the menopausal symptoms.

First of all, menopause is not a disease. It is not an estrogen deficiency syndrome that needs to be "cured" with hormone replacement therapy. It is a normal, natural process that every woman goes through as she ages. According to western medicine, the symptoms of menopause are caused by changes in estrogen levels. As the ovaries become less functional, they produce less estrogen and the body subsequently reacts. The symptoms can range from mild to fairly severe. This variation is normal.

Some women may sail through menopause without difficulty. Others may experience such symptoms as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, fatigue, palpitations, depression, anxiety, memory loss, vaginal dryness and thinning, changes in libido (sex drive), irregular menstrual bleeding and the beginning stages of osteoporosis (bone thinning).

Side Effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy can reduce the undesirable symptoms of menopause, but HRT is fraught with side effects that can range from vaginal bleeding, breast tenderness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating and uterine cramps to irritability and headaches. HRT can also increase the risk of breast and uterine cancer as mentioned previously, as well as increase the risk of gallbladder dysfunction, gallstones and high blood pressure. Sometimes a woman's menopausal symptoms are so severe and distressing that she may opt for HRT.

Chinese Medicine Approach to Menopause
Whether a woman decides to take hormone replacement therapy or not, she can still benefit from Traditional Chinese Medicine. The World Health Organization (WHO), the medical branch of the UN, includes menopause among the many conditions that respond favorably to TCM.

As a woman ages, the Chinese medical perspective believes that menopausal symptoms (if any), are due to a decline in the Qi (pronounced "chee") or energy and the essence of the kidney. The kidney essence performs many functions, including overseeing re-production. It is the basis of our hereditary constitution; it determines energy, drive and strength; influences our resistance and is the foundation for the immune system. It also promotes the development of bone marrow.

There can be many other variations of patterns that can accompany the basic diminishing of kidney function. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are beneficial in strengthening or "tonifying" the kidneys, as well as addressing the other patterns that may be present.

Chinese medicine, with its gentle and steady tonification of the kidney essence without side effects, can offer a safe and effective alternative to HRT, even though its effects aren't as rapid as the "quick fix" of hormone replacement therapy. If need be, acupuncture and Chinese herbs may be combined with HRT, because they work in different ways. HRT works by "tricking" the body into thinking that it is still ovulating, but it doesn't tonify the kidneys. Chinese medicine, on the other hand, gently tonifies the kidney and kidney essence to help a woman in this transitional time of life.

In addition to acupuncture and herbs, we may also recommend changes in diet and lifestyle. There are a myriad of things a woman can do for herself to lessen menopausal symptoms. Of course, prevention is key for so many conditions.

You can greatly reduce the possibility of suffering through menopause by establishing sound health habits early in life. Those health practices, along with Chinese medicine, can play a role in helping ease you through menopause. We advise women to gather as much information as they can so that they can make an educated decision regarding their approach to menopause.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Study Halted

On July 9, 2002, a NIH study on hormone replacement therapy involving 16,000 women was stopped early due to the findings of increased incidence of breast cancer, heart attack and stroke in study participants taking HRT, specifically Prempro, a combination of estrogen derived from pregnant mares and medroxyprogesterone. Prempro is the "Gold Standard" for HRT and is the most commonly prescribed HRT combination for menopausal women.

While only a small number of women in the study were affected, the results are statistically significant and in the view of the researchers showed that the overall health risks of Prempro may outweigh the benefits. Additionally, on July 17, JAMA published a study confirming increased rates of uterine cancer in women taking Prempro.

It is important to recognize that these studies may not apply to other forms of hormone replacement therapy, both prescription and non-prescription. For example, natural progesterone, a common choice for women seeking natural HRT alternatives, was not used in either study.

Natural progesterone has been shown in numerous studies to decrease menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. Red clover, black cohosh and alflafa have all been shown to reduce and relieve menopausal symptoms due to constituents which are similar to estrogen and produce estrogen-like effects in the body.

In fact, some so-called phytoestrogens have shown anti-cancer effects in some studies and are possibly protective. Also, acupuncture and the addition of soy-based foods in the diet have been shown to effectively reduce menopausal symptoms.

In the final analysis, the choice of hormone replacement therapy lies with each woman and needs to be weighed in terms of potential risks and benefits on an individual basis. While these study results may be alarming to women on HRT, thoughtful consideration should be done to decide how to proceed from here.

There are many possible choices. At SOMA Acupuncture, we treat many women who wish to address menopausal health issues with acupuncture, herbal and nutritional support, and occasionally the use of naturally-derived phytoestrogens and progesterones.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis literally means "porous bone." It is a disease characterized by demineralization and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bones that are brittle, fragile and prone to fractures, especially fractures of the hip, vertebrae and wrists. Progressive bone loss may cause loss of height, stooped posture, a humpback and severe pain.

It is most commonly seen in post-menopausal women. The cost for bone loss treatment in the US is a staggering $14 billion per year and is expected to rise significantly over the next decade. One in two women and one in eight men over the age of 50 are expected to have osteoporosis-related fractures. Osteoporosis affects women more than men because women have less bone mass and begin to lose bone far earlier.

For women, the most rapid rate of bone loss occurs in the first five years after menopause, beginning around age 45 when body hormone supplies undergo a dramatic change. Estrogen and progesterone are hormones that play important roles in building bone. Progressive bone loss in women is more complex than simple estrogen deficiency. Up until recently, women were routinely prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as soon as menopause approached to allegedly protect against osteoporosis.

Current studies have shown many risks and side-effects associated with HRT. "Protecting" a woman from osteoporosis depends on many variables before the onset of menopause, therefore it is simplistic to think that HRT alone will "protect" a menopausal woman from this disease. Likewise, a lack of calcium is not the only reason why women develop bone loss. Taking calcium is only part of building strong bones. In osteoporosis, there is a lack of other minerals as well.

There are many risk factors that can result in bone loss, but some of the major ones are: post-menopause, inactivity, smoking and heavy alcohol use. Caffeine, high alcohol, high sugar and high salt consumption and smoking cause more calcium to be lost than taken in.

Soft drinks, such as cola, contain high amounts of phosphorous that increase the excretion of calcium in the urine. And a diet high in animal protein also contributes to bone loss. A vegetarian diet is associated with a lower incidence of osteoporosis.

As always, it is best to prevent a disease from occurring, and osteoporosis is highly preventable through a healthy diet and good lifestyle practices. Incorporating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) into a healthy lifestyle can be very effective in preventing and reversing bone loss. According to TCM, the health of the bones is directly related to the health of the kidneys. A decline in the function of the kidneys is a consequence of aging; therefore, tonifying the kidneys with acupuncture and Chinese herbs can slow down this process.

If you are concerned about bone loss, we can help you evaluate your risk through your personal health history, family history and with a simple urine test that measures bone loss that we can arrange for you through the Great Smokies lab.

We can also order a test that could uncover any potential genetic susceptibility to osteoporosis. In addition, there is another procedure called bone densitometry that measures the mineral content and density of the bones. Bone densitometry involves the use of small amounts of X-Rays. This procedure may be warranted should you require further assessment.

After your risks have been determined, we can formulate a comprehensive treatment plan that includes diet, exercise, TCM approaches and nutritional supplements. Call us if you have any questions regarding osteoporosis.

PMS - Premenstrual Syndrome

For many women, that "time of the month" does not just pertain to their actual menstruation. In the one or two weeks prior to their period they could have symptoms of PMS or premenstrual syndrome.

Premenstrual syndrome symptoms may include:

• Mood swings that may include depression
• Sadness, irritability, crying
• Anger, frustration
• Cravings (especially for sweets or salt)
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea and/or constipation
• Abdominal bloating
• Breast swelling and tenderness
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Recurrent catching of a cold during the premenstrual time
• Foggy-headedness and clumsiness.
• These symptoms can subside or diminish abruptly at the onset of the period.

PMS is a reasonably simple syndrome to treat with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). According to TCM, the basic energetic imbalance which causes premenstrual syndrome is "liver qi congestion." The qi's (energy) free flow in the body is compromised. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs often provide enormous relief from PMS.

There are some excellent classic Chinese herbal formulas, particularly the formula "Free and Easy Wanderer" that when taken regularly can greatly reduce the symptoms of PMS. Acupuncture is very good at quickly relieving the symptoms of depression and bloating. It's helpful to schedule an acupuncture appointment once a month prior to menses.

In addition to the use of acupuncture and herbs in the treatment of PMS, one may want to look at its underlying cause, which often is due to your lifestyle or the way in which you relate with the world. Therefore, my approach to treating premenstrual syndrome will include exploring ways to reduce stress, increasing exercise (which circulates our "qi"), using relaxation techniques such as Tai Chi, yoga or meditation, and eating a balanced diet with lots of fresh natural foods.

Urinary Tract Infection

In the United States, over 11 million women receive antibiotics for urinary tract infections (UTI) each year at a cost of about $1.6 billion. Repeated use of antibiotics leads to resistant bacterial strains and greater chance of recurrence in some women.

Cranberry Juice Inhibits Urinary Infections
Regular consumption of cranberry juice appears to be effective in preventing the recurrence of urinary infections in women, according to a study recently published in the British Medical Journal. One hundred and fifty women with acute urinary tract infections caused by the E. coli were treated with antibiotics to resolve the infection. They were then placed in one of three groups assigned to take either a cranberry juice concentrate that was consumed five times per week for six months, a lactobacillus drink consumed five times per week for one year, or no treatment.

After six months, only eight women (16%) taking cranberry juice experienced a recurrence of a UTI compared to 19 (39%) in the lactobacillus group and 18 (36%) in the no-treatment group.

Interestingly, even though women in the cranberry group stopped consuming the juice after six months, they had a lower rate of urinary tract infection recurrence at 12 months as well. (Note: While lactobacillus has been proven to be useful in preventing side effects of antibiotic therapy such as diarrhea and yeast infections, it was not shown to be useful in preventing recurrence of UTIs in this study.)

Vaginal Yeast Infection

Vaginal yeast infection is one of the most common reasons why women consult a healthcare professional. Many women suffer from repeated infections. If a woman has been previously diagnosed with a vaginal yeast and has recurring symptoms, then treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is really a safe option and may help avoid future infections.

Infection result from an overgrowth of a fungus called candida albicans. Candida albicans is a widespread organism that normally lives in healthy balance in the body, found in the vagina, mouth, digestive tract and on the skin without causing disease or symptoms.

Vaginitis or genital candidiasis becomes problematic when the growth of yeast is excessive and not controlled by the body's normal bacterial flora. This happens when the vagina has certain conditions that allow overgrowth and nourishment of candida albicans. The number of vaginal yeast infections are on the rise due to the increased use of antibiotics and oral contraceptives.

In the case of antibiotics, they change the normal balance between organisms in the genital tract by suppressing the growth of protective bacteria that normally have an antifungal effect. It's very common for women to develop an infection after a course of antibiotics.

Other predisposing factors that can lead to a vaginal yeast infection include diabetes, HIV, pregnancy, frequent douching, menstruation and use of immunosuppressive drugs.

Yeast Infection Symptoms
The symptoms often associated with a vaginal yeast infection are:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge - ranges from slight watery, white discharge to a thick, white, chunky discharge (like cottage cheese)
• Itching of the external and internal genitalia
• Redness and/or inflammation of the vulvar skin
• Pain with intercourse
• Painful urination
• Possible pinpoint bleeding if the infection is severe.

In traditional Chinese medicine, vaginal yeast infections correspond most closely with the pattern of "Damp Heat." Excessive consumption of dairy products, greasy fried foods, sugar and refined foods leads to the formation of Damp.

Damp can also form from wearing too-tight pants, undergarments not made of cotton and from wet exercise clothing or wet swimsuits. In women, Damp easily infuses downward and accumulates in the genital area. Over a prolonged time, Damp often combines with Heat to form Damp Heat.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs help eliminate the Damp and the Heat in the lower part of the body and can address any underlying pathology. Treatment depends upon whether the infection is acute or chronic.

Yeast infections can be stubborn due to the fact that Damp tends to linger and seep down into the lower regions of the body. But, both acupuncture and herbal medicine are quite effective in dealing with this particular condition.

There are also some very useful nutritional supplements that I would prescribe as well as discussing any dietary and lifestyle changes that would be beneficial for treating and preventing vaginal yeast infections.

Metabolic Weight Loss Program

The adverse effects of being overweight or obese have been a prominent topic in recent news. The Surgeon General recently warned Americans that the nation's obesity epidemic has gotten so bad it soon may overtake tobacco as the leading cause of preventable deaths. He warned that some 300,000 people a year die from illnesses directly caused or worsened by being overweight and reported that 60% of adults and 13% of children are overweight or obese.

The Journal of the American Medical Association reports that 1 in 5 Americans (47 million) have Metabolic Syndrome, a disorder recognized since the 1920's and characterized by a cluster of symptoms including excess abdominal fat, elevated blood pressure, blood sugar and triglycerides and low levels of HDL, or good cholesterol. Metabolic Syndrome greatly increases the risk of diabetes, heart attacks and stroke, the leading causes of death in our culture.

Many of us need to take a fresh look at our eating and exercise habits with the goal of losing weight and improving health. Too often, your weight loss goals end in failure because we set unreasonable goals or lack the support and self discipline to make positive changes.

At SOMA, we have worked with many people over the years dealing with weight loss, and have seen what often works and what does not. It is important to reframe the issue in the beginning from one of weight loss to health enhancement, as improving diet and activity levels and correcting metabolic imbalances are the keys to healthy weight loss. We know that Metabolic Syndrome is largely caused by lifestyle factors, and progressive positive lifestyle changes yield big rewards.

Quick fixes, such as herbal and pharmaceutical products which act as stimulants, laxatives, diuretics, etc., may show dramatic short-term weight loss but are ineffective and sometimes dangerous in the long run. Crash diets typically fail quickly and can promote future fat gain.

If you are trying to lose a few pounds or suspect you may have Metabolic Syndrome, we are here to help you meet your goals of health improvement and healthy weight loss. We have developed a program that assesses your risk factors for Metabolic Syndrome using current guidelines and appropriate laboratory testing, and will work with you to develop and achieve an effective plan to help you meet your goals.

"Smart" eating and physical activity are cornerstones to our approach, and we help you set achievable and effective goals. We look for signs of metabolic imbalances such as poor blood sugar control or hormonal imbalances and help develop strategies to bring these systems back into balance.

We may recommend nutritional supplements and herbs to promote proper function, such as supporting healthy cholesterol levels and managing blood sugar problems. Sometimes we use acupuncture to reduce cravings and correct imbalances which can block progress. As always, your plan is individualized to meet your specific needs and goals.

In more difficult cases, we recommend Pure Weigh Premeal Beverage, formulated to provide metabolic support for food-mood responses, satiety, and glucose and insulin metabolism. It is designed to be taken before meals as opposed to meal replacement, and the research behind it is impressive. We have some brochures on this product if you are interested in knowing more.

The metabolic weight loss program consists of two focused office visits. During the first visit you will fill out a questionnaire evaluating your goals and relevant history. We will review risk factors, recent relevant lab tests, and do a physical examination.

If it is necessary to run lab tests to check cholesterol, triglycerides, or blood sugar, we would send you to a local lab, and there would be some costs involved for the tests. The labwork may be covered on your insurance.

At the second visit, you will be given an analysis of your risk factors and we will review steps to improve your health and help you lose weight healthfully using diet, exercise and other support specific to your needs.