Postnatal Depression

The Ji Yin Gang Mu (Compendium of Benefits to Women, 1620, by Wu Zhi–Wang is a major TCM gynaecological text which contains gynaecological formulae arranged by disease category. It contains more than fifty formulas listed for these various conditions, as well as others that in the West might conceivably be thrown into the “post natal depression” basket, such as recurring hiccups or wandering pains. The commentaries included within the Ji Yin Gang Mu note that there are three major approaches to post-partum emotional disorders. One focuses on “bad blood” left over after the birth, which rushes to and disrupts the Heart shen. Another emphasises blood deficiency resulting from the birth process and its attendant traumas. The last points to pathogenic wind taking advantage of the blood deficiency to attack.   Read more...

 

Prevention of Miscarriage using Chinese Herbal Medicine

In Western medicine, there are three stages to a miscarriage or spontaneous abortion: 1) threatened miscarriage, 2) incomplete miscarriage, and 3) complete miscarriage. The most important rule to remember in treating threatened miscarriage with Chinese medicine is not to move the qi too forcefully or quicken the blood. Any medicinals with these functions will promote the likelihood of miscarriage.   Read more...

 

Re-Establishing Optimal Health Postpartum

During pregnancy, the focus is often on supporting the health of the mother as it directly affects the growth and development of the fetus. But in traditional Chinese medicine, maintaining a woman's health is also highly emphasized in the postpartum period and the care a woman receives postpartum, in particular the first 4 months after delivery, often sets the scene for her state of health far into the future.   Read more...

 

Modified Opening Through Stasis Decoction

If we think of the Ren vessel/Bao Tai, as a tubular pathway extending from the upper body (Heart and chest) to the womb, physiologically, this tube provides the route for the Heart fire to descend to warm the womb and for the Kidney water to ascend to control, moisten and cool the Heart. This pathway allows the communication and interaction of fire and water between the upper Jiao and womb. We can also see that what travels within this tube is the interaction of fire and water, which is the red blood.   Read more...

 

Dissecting Acupuncture and IVF Studies

One recent research study presented in May 2007 at a Vancouver, BC, seminar is of particular note. Acupuncturist Diane Cridennda, LAc and reproductive endocrinologist Paul Magarelli, MD, PhD, presented their findings examining data collected over four years to determine if there was any affect on the outcomes of patients who combined IVF with acupuncture protocols from two significant studies1. The Colorado-based team observed some interesting results. Before dissecting their study, one must be familiar with the acupuncture protocols they used.   Read more...